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TAB 3 <br />MINORITY VOTING RIGHTS <br />We have extracted from the Census data a summary of each City Ward. Prior to <br />the 1990 census, previously existing election precinct boundaries were often described by <br />non-physical boundaries, such a survey lines, or "metes and bounds" descriptions of real <br />property. Since the computerized census first implemented in 1990 was based upon <br />topological maps, it was necessary to "approximate" those boundaries that were not defined <br />by a physical boundary such as a road, watercourse, or other physical boundary. These <br />approximations were described as Voter Tabulation Districts, or VTDs. It should be noted <br />that the VTD was only an approximation of the actual voting boundaries, since Public Law <br />94-171 requires that the VTD utilize census blocks as its component parts. <br />Texas Counties are responsible for the structure of county election precincts. These <br />county election precincts should recognize city ward boundaries in cities having a <br />population of more than 10,000. In 1990, most counties adopted election boundaries based <br />on census blocks, but VTDs are still encountered. The boundaries utilized in this [nitial <br />Assessment are derived from the Texas Legislative Council, and have been, to the extent <br />possible, confirmed as accurate by local officials. However, some counties continue to have <br />election precinct boundaries defined in a manner that is incompatible with census block <br />based mapping. Therefore, in some cases, you may find a discrepancy between the actual <br />boundary in use, and the census block based mapping boundaries used in this report. All <br />future election precincts should be based upon census blocks to avoid any discrepancy <br />between the actual boundary in use and the official boundary description maintained by the <br />Texas Legislative Council. <br />As a general rule, where the total minority percentage exceeds 25% of the total <br />population, there is ample justifrcation to create at least one, or where the minority <br />population is sufficient, more than one City Council Ward that contains a potential voting <br />majority of minority residents. In concentrations greater than 40%, consideration should be <br />given to creating at least one City Council Ward with a potential voting majority of minority <br />residents, with the possibility of any "excess population" being used to impact one or more <br />other Wards. Where the total minority concentration exceeds 40%, the issue of "Packing" <br />becomes a consideration, ineaning that minority populations cannot be "packed" into a <br />single Ward, but must be allowed to influence as many Wards as the total minority <br />population warrants without efforts to fragment otherwise contiguous concentrations of <br />minority population. <br />Minority representation must not be diluted, and where possible, a voting majority of <br />minority residents should be created if sufficient minority populations existing within a <br />reasonably compact and contiguous geographic area. In order to achieve the maximum <br />minority representation within the demographic and geographic limitations in existence, it <br />will be necessary to determine which City Ward, and which census blocks within each <br />Ward, contain the highest percentage of minority population and to take such reasonable <br />measures as will insure the highest possible minority voice in City government. To achieve <br />this goal, some attention must be paid to voting age minority residents. In order to create a <br />Initial Assessmcnt <br />Page 6 of 9 <br />,:14 - E <br />