04-Information from Bass and Associates regarding 2010 Census data

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TAB 3 MINORITY VOTING RIGHTS We have extracted from the Census data a summary of each City Ward. Prior to the 1990 census, previously existing election precinct boundaries were often described by non-physical boundaries, such a survey lines, or "metes and bounds" descriptions of real property. Since the computerized census first implemented in 1990 was based upon topological maps, it was necessary to "approximate" those boundaries that were not defined by a physical boundary such as a road, watercourse, or other physical boundary. These approximations were described as Voter Tabulation Districts, or VTDs. It should be noted that the VTD was only an approximation of the actual voting boundaries, since Public Law 94-171 requires that the VTD utilize census blocks as its component parts. Texas Counties are responsible for the structure of county election precincts. These county election precincts should recognize city ward boundaries in cities having a population of more than 10,000. In 1990, most counties adopted election boundaries based on census blocks, but VTDs are still encountered. The boundaries utilized in this Initial Assessment are derived from the Texas Legislative Council, and have been, to the extent possible, confirmed as accurate by local officials. However, some counties continue to have election precinct boundaries defined in a manner that is incompatible with census block based mapping. Therefore, in some cases, you may find a discrepancy between the actual boundary in use, and the census block based mapping boundaries used in this report. All future election precincts should be based upon census blocks to avoid any discrepancy between the actual boundary in use and the official boundary description maintained by the Texas Legislative Council. As a general rule, where the total minority percentage exceeds 25% of the total population, there is ample justification to create at least one, or where the minority population is sufficient, more than one City Council Ward that contains a potential voting majority of minority residents. In concentrations greater than 40%, consideration should be given to creating at least one City Council Ward with a potential voting majority of minority residents, with the possibility of any "excess population" being used to impact one or more other Wards. Where the total minority concentration exceeds 40%, the issue of "Packing" becomes a consideration, meaning that minority populations cannot be "packed" into a single Ward, but must be allowed to influence as many Wards as the total minority population warrants without efforts to fragment otherwise contiguous concentrations of minority population. Minority representation must not be diluted, and where possible, a voting majority of minority residents should be created if sufficient minority populations existing within a reasonably compact and contiguous geographic area. In order to achieve the maximum minority representation within the demographic and geographic limitations in existence, it will be necessary to determine which City Ward, and which census blocks within each Ward, contain the highest percentage of minority population and to take such reasonable measures as will insure the highest possible minority voice in City government. To achieve this goal, some attention must be paid to voting age minority residents. In order to create a Initial Assessment Page 6 of 9