Abstract:
The letter, dated January 10, 1983, is addressed to Ms. Patricia Ito of the Voting Rights Division, Department of Justice, Washington, DC. Willie H. Houseal voices concerns regarding the limitations imposed on the black community in electing representatives to public posts due to the At-Large Voting System in Valdosta and Lowndes County. The letter calls for a transition to a Ward-based district system, and cites historical instances of unsuccessful black candidates. It also includes statistical data on the black population and voter registration, and argues for an investigation by the Justice Department into potential violations of the 14th, 15th, and 19th Amendments of the United States Constitution.
