Klein: At-large seats not civil rights issue
Columbus has dismissed concerns that its method of electing city council members in an at-large system could violate the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
In a letter to the New York-based NAACP Legal Defense Fund, city council President Zach Klein wrote that the city attorney’s office had reviewed those concerns and determined that the cases a defense fund attorney cited were “based on facts totally dissimilar to Columbus’ strong record of electing minority candidates.”
The nonprofit law firm wrote to Klein and his aides last month at the urging of Everyday People for Positive Change, a local organization led by Jonathan Beard, who has pushed for changes to the system by which council members are elected.
In its letter, the law firm wrote that other at-large systems in Ohio have been struck down by courts for diluting black votes and that black voters must have an opportunity to elect their “preferred candidates.”
Klein, who will become city attorney in January, wrote in his response that he is “proud that our City Council is diverse and represents the inclusive spirit of Columbus.”
He dismissed any claims that the system violates federal law, writing: “The Columbus City Attorney’s office also indicated that you have provided no further factual or legal basis to support the conclusion that the method in which Columbus elects council members fails to comply with federal law.”
Beard and others have tried to change Columbus’ system, including during a 2016 special election when voters rejected a proposal that would have expanded the council and divided the seats among a mix of at-large and ward representatives.
A charter review committee last year recommended adding two seats to the council and dividing the seats into districts, but continuing to elect representatives citywide.
Beard’s group said in a statement that they are disappointed with Klein’s response, saying the council does not fully understand the issue.
Klein declined further comment through a spokeswoman.