SEATTLE, Wash.-A Federal Judge approved a legislative redistricting map that will enhance Latino representation in Washington, particularly in the Yakima Valley, on March 15.
Remedial Map 3B will consolidate Latino communities into a unified district, which will enhance their voting strength, while ensuring their voices are heard in the legislature, according to a UCLA Voting Rights Project press release on the map approval.
Now that the new redistricting map has been approved, it will be sent to the Secretary of State’s Office so that new boundaries can be set before the 2024 General Election.
UCLA VPR previously filed a lawsuit, Soto vs. Hobbs, arguing that previous mapping diluted the Latino electoral influence.
According to UCLA VPR, the lawsuit was filed on behalf of Latino voters when it became apparent that current legislative districts fractured Latino communities, particularly in the Yakima Valley, undermining the Latino community’s ability to elect representatives of their choice.
In August, a court ruling determined that Washington’s 15th Legislative District, produced by the Washington State Redistricting Commission, was not in compliance with voting rights laws and that it diluted the power of the Latino voting block.
The case argued that the previously drawn maps did not allow fair representation and violated a portion of the Voting Rights Act.
“We are thrilled with the Judge’s decision to adopt Map 3B,” said Sonni Waknin, program manager and voting rights counsel at the UCLA VRP. “This ruling is not just a victory for the Latino communities in Washington State, but it also sends hope to all underrepresented communities fighting for fair representation in the United States.”
