Edited by Brayden Wiese, Ananya Sankaran, and Sofia Meinardus
Abstract
At-large electoral systems in Texas's Independent School Districts have often diluted minority voting strength, resulting in repeated legal challenges to their districting structures and election methods under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. This paper examines how courts evaluate vote dilution claims through the Thornburg v. Gingles framework, with a focus on cases involving school districts, such as LULAC v. Northeast ISD, and other Fifth Circuit decisions. This note argues that single-member districts provide the most effective and constitutionally sound remedy, whereas hybrid and at-large systems fail to provide equal opportunity for minority voters. Analyzing key precedents such as Thornburg v. Gingles, this work identifies gaps in current remedies and demonstrates how restrictive circuit rules can worsen minority vote dilution. This paper concludes by outlining practical ways to implement single-member districts that protect minority voters and uphold the promises of the Voting Rights Act.
