The U.S. Department of Justice is monitoring the Pasadena city elections as the suburb faces mounting federal scrutiny in the wake of a judge’s ruling that the city intentionally violated the Voting Rights Act by discriminating against Hispanics. Two observers will be present to ensure the elections this Saturday are conducted smoothly, said C. Robert Heath, an attorney representing the city in the voting rights case. But he said he didn’t know who asked for them, what their specific charge would be and which polling locations may be watched.
“They’re observers, and make sure everything goes right,” Heath said. “The city is happy to cooperate and we don’t have anything to hide.”
He said the city has already received preclearance from the Justice Department for its election contract with Harris County and for changes to polling locations that he described as “very minor.”
Representatives from the Justice Department declined to comment Tuesday evening. Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart said Tuesday he did not know about the observers.
Full Article: Department of Justice will monitor Pasadena elections after voting rights ruling – Houston Chronicle.