Many politicians and virtually all reporters totally miss the intent of the Voting Rights Act and the minority districts created pursuant to its mandate. The point is to empower the minority voters. The district is created so that the choice of the African-American voters will prevail--not so that a person who is African-American will win. If the minority voters elect a white candidate (see Marty Markowitz' State Senate districts from 1982 through 2001)that is their right.
Many politicians and virtually all reporters totally miss the intent of the Voting Rights Act and the minority districts created pursuant to its mandate. The point is to empower the minority voters. The district is created so that the choice of the African-American voters will prevail--not so that a person who is African-American will win. If the minority voters elect a white candidate (see Marty Markowitz' State Senate districts from 1982 through 2001)that is their right.