The West Monroe City Council voted during its regular meeting held on Tuesday, April 13 to propose a mixed method election plan to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen were presented prospective litigation with the U.S. Department of Justice that would require a change in the method of electing the members of the West Monroe Board of Aldermen in order to ensure compliance with the Voting Rights Act.
The Aldermen voted to present to the U.S. Department a Justice a mixed method election plan with three members elected from single member districts and two members of the Board of Aldermen elected at-large instead of all members being elected from single member districts.
The Mayor and Aldermen believe the current voting method, with all Aldermen being elected at large, has greatly benefitted the City by allowing activities and construction projects to be focused in specific areas based solely on the needs of the City as a whole, without competition among districts as to their location. However, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen also recognize the requirements of the Voting Rights Act may now require a change in the City of West Monroe’s voting method.
Once this proposal is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, it will take effect in the next municipal election cycle which is set to take place in spring 2022. Later this year, registered voters in the City of West Monroe will receive information from the City of West Monroe regarding their new voting district, voting location and other pertinent information. The City will work with North Delta Planning Group to ensure all districting is done appropriately and in compliance with the U.S. Department of Justice.