Comptroller Bill Thompson and other city leaders are calling on the Justice Department to strike down last fall’s law allowing city officials to run for a third term.
They say the law discriminates against minorities, because challenging an incumbent is much harder than running for an open seat, and as a result, violates the Voting Rights Act.
“When the Voting Rights Act in 1965 was enacted it was a turning point in American history. It opened the doors to democracy so that all people could play a part. When Mayor Bloomberg signed the term limits extension, once again we saw the rules change with the stroke of a pen,” said Thompson.
The city’s law department argues the extension from two terms to three will not impact voter opportunities. The Justice Department must sign off on the new law.
A decision is expected Tuesday.
(Source: NY1)
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Anyone want to explain that one? Does that mean that all incumbents are white male property owners and all challengers are minorities? How subtle…. I guess if more minorities had government positions (instead of merely government paychecks) the law would not be discriminatory?