Pennsylvania City of Hazleton At-Large City Council Election System Challenge

Lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) against the city of Hazleton, Hazleton City Council and the city’s Republican mayor, Jeff Cusat, challenging the at-large election system for city council. The Hazleton City Council consists of five members — elected for staggered four year terms — that hold the city’s legislative power. The DOJ asserts that no Hispanic candidate has ever been elected to the city council, despite Hispanic voters representing approximately 43% of the city’s voting-age population. The DOJ argues the council’s at-large election system prevents the city’s Hispanic population from electing their candidate of choice in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), and asks the court to order that the city implement an election system that complies with the VRA.

STATUS: The DOJ filed its complaint on Jan. 7, 2025. 

Last updated: January 8, 2025 10:21 am EST