Bill > SB413

This bill prohibits the use of any method for electing the governing body of a county or municipality that impairs the ability of members of a protected class (based on race, color, or language minority status) to elect candidates of their choice or influence the outcome of an election. It establishes that a violation is determined by the presence of polarized voting (where protected class voters differ in their electoral preferences from other voters) and the dilution or abridgement of the voting strength of the protected class. The bill allows the Attorney General to bring enforcement actions and provides factors for courts to consider in determining whether a violation has occurred. The bill applies only to local (county and municipal) elections, not statewide elections.