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McCoy v. Chicago Heights

United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

6 F. Supp. 2d 973 (N. D. Ill 1998)

Facts

In 1994, Chicago Heights adopted a six single-member district plan. Under this scheme, African Americans would comprise a majority in two districts. Another district would feature a large Hispanic population. This district plan proposed mayoral election by at-large voting. The mayor would possess substantial executive powers, including in tie-breaking, vetoes, and appointments. A minimum of three-fifths of council members would override a mayoral veto in this system. Voters endorsed this scheme by referendum. However, McCoy and Perkins (plaintiffs) alleged that this scheme violated § 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In place of Chicago Heights's plan, McCoy and Perkins advanced an aldermanic scheme. Under this plan, seven councilmembers would counteract a mayor with limited executive powers. Voters would select the mayor through an election at large. Historically, Illinois permitted an aldermanic system and cumulative voting through its municipal code.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Coar, J.)

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A "yes" or "no" answer to the question framed in the issue section;
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The procedural disposition (e.g., reversed and remanded, affirmed, etc.).

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