Latinx people make up nearly half of all residents in Riverside County and roughly two-fifths of the voting population. Despite considerable growth in the Latinx population in the last few decades, there has only been one Latinx supervisor on the county board in its 129-year history.
The local organizing group, Inland Empire United, and six county residents filed a challenge to Riverside County's 2021 supervisorial district map on behalf of Latinx voters. The 2021 plan unlawfully dilutes the vote of Latino residents, preventing them from meaningful participation in supervisorial elections.
The board adopted the 2021 plan in the face of overwhelming evidence that the map would have discriminatory effects, including an analysis conducted by its own consultants and a map proposal drafted and submitted by a diversity of community groups led by Inland Empire United that showed that it was possible to adopt a map that kept communities whole.
The lawsuit calls for the board to rescind its current plan and adopt a plan that complies with the FAIR MAPS Act and that keeps communities of interest intact.
Case Developments
Agreement ensures voter education outreach and access. Read the settlement.
Plaintiffs filed the complaint in State Superior Court in Riverside County. Read the complaint.
