AALDEF and LatinoJustice PRDEF file brief in support of Black and Latino communities in critical redistricting case in New York
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2025
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AALDEF and LatinoJustice file brief in support of Black and Latino communities in critically watched redistricting case in New York
NEW YORK — Two of the nation’s oldest civil rights groups submitted an amicus (friend of the court) brief to the New York Court of Appeals against the town of Newburgh, New York, whose, at-large method of elections discriminates against its Black and Hispanic voters.
The brief recounts the history of racial minority voters coming together in coalition, highlighting the modern-day significance of coalition districts and protections for communities of color. The case (Clarke v Town of Newburgh), which is before New York’s highest court, will potentially decide the constitutionality of the New York Voting Rights Act (NYVRA). Enacted in 2022, the NYVRA addresses persistent barriers to equal participation by Black, Latino, Asian, and Native American voters in the state. One way the law addresses discriminatory election practices is by protecting the formation of coalition districts, which allow minority groups who live and vote together to secure political representation for their communities.
In the brief, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), LatinoJustice PRLDEF and Covington & Burling LLP explain the importance of coalition districts for protecting the political power of racial minorities. Coalition districts are especially critical for Asian communities and other smaller minority groups, whose ability to influence elections and effectively advocate for their issues is often only possible by allying with other groups. The brief argues that the defendants (the town and the town board of Newburgh) rely on a dangerous and fundamentally flawed legal theory that undermines communities of color from collectively defending their rights through coalition districts. The court is hearing the case as the White House uses the same theory to justify the racial gerrymandering of congressional districts by Republican legislators in Texas.
“Against the backdrop of other states trying to dismantle majority-minority coalition districts, it is crucial for New York’s highest court to reject racist election schemes in Newburgh and anywhere else in this state,” said Patrick Stegemoeller, staff attorney at the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF). “Black and Latino folks make up 40% of Newburgh, yet no Black or Latino person has ever been elected to the town board. This violation is exactly what the New York Voting Rights Act is designed to address by empowering minority communities to vindicate their rights in coalition.”
“For too long, Latino and Black residents in Newburgh have been denied fair representation and been disenfranchised,” said Cesar Ruiz, Associate Counsel, LatinoJustice PRLDEF. "The New York Voting Rights Act was enacted to ensure that our communities have the collective political voice to elect candidates of their choosing. Yet, Latino voters in New York continue to encounter obstacles that seek to suppress their right to vote, including when seeking political power in coalition districts. LatinoJustice will remain ever-vigilant to defend the rights of our communities and to ensure New York fulfills its promise of equal democracy for all.”
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About LatinoJustice
LatinoJustice PRLDEF works to create a more just society by using and challenging the rule of law to secure transformative, equitable and accessible justice, by empowering our community and by fostering leadership through advocacy and education. For over 50 years, LatinoJustice PRLDEF has acted as an advocate against injustices throughout the country. To learn more about LatinoJustice, visit www.LatinoJustice.org