Massachusetts Civil Rights News

Justice Department Resolves Voting Rights Lawsuit Against Philadelphia

The Justice Department today reached a settlement agreement with the City of Philadelphia related to allegations that the city violated the Voting Rights Act, the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), and the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). In addition to the settlement, the Department filed an amended complaint, adding claims to those filed in the original Oct. 13, 2006 suit, which alleged that the city had violated the rights of Hispanic and other voters under two key provisions of the Voting Rights Act. The settlement agreement resolves the government’s complaint.

“Federal law sets basic standards of fairness in voting for all citizens in the United States. The City of Philadelphia has an obligation to ensure that its polling places are free from discrimination, that effective assistance, in Spanish where necessary, is available to those who need it, and that citizens with disabilities are able to cast a private, independent ballot,” said Wan J. Kim, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “The city also has an obligation to maintain accurate voter registration lists. The Department will vigorously enforce the requirements of federal law.”

The agreement provides multiple layers of protections for Philadelphia voters, many of which the city has been implementing even as negotiations have proceeded. It provides for additional Spanish speaking poll officials to meet the changing population of the city, as well as an assurance that voters who need assistance in voting can receive it. Election workers will receive training and sign commitments to avoid discriminatory or other illegal practices. The agreement also ensures that accessible voting machines will be operating and available to disabled voters, and that voter lists be accurate and consistent with federal law. Read more at usdoj.gov.

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