2011 Redistricting in Texas: Cases Black/Brown Cooperation and Conflict

Abstract

As the 2011 round of redistricting continues to unfold in Texas, African Americans and Mexican Americans worked together as groups and individuals on proposals for redistricting various political jurisdiction in the state as well as challenged at the Department of Justice and in federal court redistricitng plans submitted by the state and political jurisdictions in Harris County. However, in some cases where the two populations are in geographical proximity, the definition and application of the principle retrogression is being challenged. African American are seeking to maintain population control of seats they presently control. Mexican American are seeking to prove that the new lines dilute their vote in violation of Section 2. The question this round of redistricting might answer is how do you measure retrogression when the two plaintiffs are representatives of minority groups covered by the Voting Rights Act? Lawsuits in federal district court should be compled by late December 2011 providing additional information on how these two groups define.

Keywords: Redistricting, voting rights Act