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Law
Indian voters win lawsuit against South Dakota city


Indian voters in South Dakota scored another court victory, this time against the city of Martin

A federal judge ordered the city to redraw its district boundaries. U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier said the current system violates Indian voting rights by splitting Indian residents among three districts.

Martin is adjacent to the Rosebud Sioux Reservation and the Pine Ridge Reservation. The population is about 36 percent Indian, but they have never been able to elect a candidate of their choice.

Get the Story:
Judge orders Martin to redraw district lines (AP 12/8)

Get the Decision:
Cottier v. Martin (December 5, 2006)

Civil Rights Report:
Voting Rights in South Dakota, 1982-2006 (May 17, 2006)

Relevant Links:
ACLU of the Dakotas - http://www.acludakotas.org

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