Voting rights groups raise red flag
States and cities across the South, facing less heat from the U.S. Department of Justice over laws governing how their constituents vote, are raising alarms from voting rights groups as those jurisdictions propose changes that could turn back the gains minorities have won in the electoral landscape.
In Pasadena, a Houston-area community that has changed from being mostly a white refinery town to being almost two-thirds Hispanic, Ornaldo Ybarra, one of two Hispanic council members , said there is a “disconnect” between the community's Hispanic residents and City Hall.
He fears a recent proposal by Pasadena Mayor Johnny Isbell won't ease the problem.
Isbell surprised council members in July by announcing his support for a plan that would eliminate two council districts and replace them with two at-large seats. Council in a 5-4 vote also approved the measure, which will go to voters in November.
More at http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Voting-rights-groups-raise-red-flag-4797595.php .
