Bill > SB255

This bill, the Voting Rights Act of 2026 for Counties and Municipal Corporations, aims to prevent election methods in local governments from unfairly hindering the ability of "protected classes" – groups defined by race, color, or language minority status – to elect their preferred candidates or influence election outcomes. It establishes that a violation occurs if there is "polarized voting," meaning a significant difference in voting preferences between a protected class and other voters, and if the current election method dilutes the voting strength of that protected class. The bill outlines how courts should determine polarized voting, considering various election data and acknowledging that the lack of geographical concentration of a protected class does not prevent a finding of violation, though it may influence remedies. It grants the Attorney General and any other person the right to sue in the county where a violation allegedly occurred to seek remedies like injunctions or damages, and empowers courts to order appropriate remedies, though they cannot impose election methods inconsistent with those used elsewhere in the state without consent. The bill also allows for the recovery of attorney's fees and litigation costs for prevailing private plaintiffs and can grant preliminary relief for upcoming elections if certain conditions are met.