Jan 2, 2025 Story by: Editor
DeSoto County officials argue that the NAACP lacks the legal standing to include Circuit Clerk Dale Thompson in a lawsuit addressing Black voting power.
In September, the DeSoto County NAACP filed a federal lawsuit, alleging that the county’s 2022 redistricting plan obstructs Black voters’ ability to elect candidates of their choice.
The complaint names the county’s Board of Supervisors and Election Commission as defendants, alongside Thompson in her role as circuit clerk.
DeSoto officials contend that Thompson’s inclusion in the lawsuit is unwarranted, as her responsibilities as circuit clerk do not involve the creation or implementation of redistricting plans. They maintain that the proper defendants in such cases are the bodies directly responsible for redistricting.
The NAACP, however, argues that systemic barriers to equitable voting access warrant Thompson’s inclusion in the legal challenge to ensure accountability at all administrative levels.
“Ensuring fair representation is a collective effort, and every official’s role must be examined to address the broader issue of voting rights,” stated a representative from the NAACP.
The legal proceedings continue as the NAACP seeks remedies to what it views as discriminatory practices undermining Black voting power in DeSoto County. Source: Daily Memphian
