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Law
ACLU rests case in Indian voting rights trial


The American Civil Liberties Union called its final witness in a case accusing the state of South Dakota of violating the voting rights of American Indians.

Elsie Meeks, an Oglala Lakota, testified of discrimination faced by Indian voters. She ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor as a Democrat in 1998.

On behalf of Indian plaintiffs, the ACLU claims a legislative district that packs voters on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations is illegal.

The state began its case yesterday and will call Secretary of State Chris Nelson to the stand. The state plans to show that low Indian voter turnout in state elections influenced the way the district was drawn.

The case is in federal court.

Get the Story:
ACLU finishes case in voting rights trial (The Rapid City Journal 4/23)

Related Stories:
S.D. Indians testify of racism in voting rights trial (04/15)
Trial into Indian voting rights in South Dakota continues (4/14)
Trial examines Indian voting rights in South Dakota (4/13)