Illinois: Chicago Heights ordered to change form of government
The Chicago Tribune reports: In a case that has gone on for 19 years, a federal judge has ordered Chicago Heights to redraw its voting districts and restructure its government to comply with the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
U.S. District Judge David H. Coar's decision means the city will go from having a six-member City Council to a seven-member board of aldermen.
The decision also weakens the mayoral powers by removing the ability to appoint department heads, make decisions without the council and cast the tie-breaking vote, officials said.
If Coar's decision is not appealed by the city, it will end litigation that is considered one of the longest-running cases involving violations to the Voting Rights Act, an official from the American Civil Liberties Union Voting Rights Project said. -- Chicago Tribune | Chicago Heights overhaul ordered