Nassau County Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Voting Rights Violations in 2020 Redistricting

Nassau County, New York, is facing a lawsuit alleging that the 2020 redistricting map drawn by the Republican-majority Legislature dilutes the voting power of Black, Latino, and Asian communities, preventing minority representation in local government. The lawsuit, filed by four Latino residents and a local civil rights organization, claims that the county manipulated the mapmaking process to preserve the existing power structure and prevent minority voters from electing a more representative governing body.

The lawsuit argues that the map was designed to maintain the status quo despite the county's increasing diversity. The Asian American population in Nassau County has grown by 60% since 2010, but there is still no Asian American representation on the 19-member Nassau County Legislature. Weihua Yan, an Asian American resident who ran for a seat on the county's governing body but lost, supports the lawsuit's goal of ensuring true representation for minority communities.

The plaintiffs cite examples of how the redistricting map dilutes minority voting power, such as the village of Freeport, which is nearly 44% Latino and 32% Black, being split and combined with the predominantly white Merrick community. The village of New Hyde Park, which is nearly a third Asian, was also removed from the district where Yan ran unsuccessfully.

Why this matters: The lawsuit against Nassau County is one of several filed under New York's Voting Rights Act, which was enacted to protect voting rights and address racial inequity and vote dilution, even in Democratic-leaning states like New York. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for ensuring fair representation and political influence for minority communities in local government.

The lawsuit is one of at least four filed under New York's Voting Rights Act, which was enacted two years ago to protect voting rights after concerns about new voting restrictions in Republican-led states and the failure of federal voting rights legislation. The county maintains that the map conforms to the law and is the result of public feedback. As the legal battle unfolds, the case will serve as a test of New York's commitment to addressing racial inequity and vote dilution, even in a traditionally Democratic stronghold.

Key Takeaways

• Nassau County, NY faces lawsuit alleging redistricting map dilutes minority voting power.
• Lawsuit claims map was designed to preserve Republican power and prevent minority representation.
• Asian American population grew 60% since 2010, but no Asian representation on county legislature.
• Lawsuit filed under NY Voting Rights Act to address racial inequity and vote dilution.
• Case tests NY's commitment to fair representation, even in Democratic-leaning areas.