New voting juisdiction in Grayson

Associated Press

Updated: Jun 15, 2012 11:40 AM

INDEPENDENCE, Va. (AP) — If a federal court approves, Grayson County will be exempted from a key provision of the federal Voting Rights Act.

The Justice Department says it filed a consent decree Thursday in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.

The agreement also includes the county school district and the towns of Independence, Fries and Troutdale.

Virginia and its political subdivisions have been subject to the 1965 Voting Rights Act's so-called preclearance requirements. The law requires states and localities with a history of racial discrimination in elections to obtain the Justice Department's approval of any changes in voting qualifications and election practices.

Jurisdictions can seek an exemption if they can demonstrate a 10-year record of nondiscrimination in voting-related actions.
 

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