Reagan T. Fondren Acting United States Attorney Western District Of Tennessee | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee
The Justice Department has initiated legal action against Fayette County, Tennessee, accusing the Board of County Commissioners of infringing upon Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The lawsuit claims that the redistricting plan adopted by the county disenfranchises Black voters by denying them an equal opportunity to elect candidates of their choice.
Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, the suit alleges that during the 2021 redistricting cycle, Fayette County's Commission rejected several districting proposals that would have enabled Black communities to elect representatives. This decision reportedly ignored both the guidelines from its own redistricting committee and advice from a specially hired attorney.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated, “The right to vote is sacred and is the foundation for our ability to exercise all other civil rights. Black voters should have the equal opportunity to elect their candidates of choice, but the redistricting map adopted by Fayette County did not provide that opportunity. The Justice Department is committed to enforcement of the Voting Rights Act and ensuring all eligible citizens have an equal opportunity to choose their elected officials."
Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren for the Western District of Tennessee emphasized, “The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, and Black voters in Fayette County deserve the same opportunity as anyone else to elect leaders who represent their voices.”
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section collaborates with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to enforce federal statutes protecting voting rights, including various acts like the Voting Rights Act and National Voter Registration Act.
For more information on voting rights and related laws, resources are available at www.justice.gov/voting. Complaints regarding potential violations can be submitted via civilrights.justice.gov or by calling 1-800-253-3931.
