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LeftInTX

(26,235 posts)
5. Significantly reduces the number of at-large districts in local elections and changes them to single-member districts
Mon Apr 15, 2024, 11:39 AM
Apr 15
https://www.aclu-wa.org/pages/voting-rights-faq

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Voting_Rights_Act

In Texas, many local elections are single-district because we've always been under the Voting Rights Act

Example of at-large: County Tax Appraisal Board Member. (snooze....it's going to be At-Large...mainly because no one cares right now. ) All three positions are gonna be on everyone's ballot.
Other example: Small town with five City Council positions - Each voter votes for each five city council members

Examples of single member: City Council: Single-member representing each part of town.
All congressional districts
State representatives and state senate districts (Texas used to have some county at-large but that was like 70 years ago)

Advantages of at-large: Districts don't need to be drawn and elections are easier to administer.
Disadvantages of at-large: Minority areas or geographical areas of special interest are not represented.

Single-member districts are much better representation. Minorities tend to have lower turnout, so many times their voices are not represented in at-large races.
Even in areas without minorities, single-member district have areas of town with certain interests such as flooding, projects (downtown construction) newer areas: new construction, side walks etc.
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