Wicomico Co. NAACP celebrates voting rights win

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – Wicomico County’s Black community is celebrating a major win, after a United States district judge voted to dismantle the county’s partial at-large system, meaning every member of county council would represent one of seven districts moving forward.

President of the Wicomico County NAACP, Monica Brooks said this move will help put more people of color where representation is needed.

“Our local elections are the biggest elections, our most important elections,” said Brooks.

“That’s where we determine who runs our county, our taxes, what different committees or different areas receive funds, police chiefs are hired our sheriff is elected through our local election, and all of this not only affects our families, but our communities as a whole,” she added.

At-large elections have been questioned for their fairness and equity in representing underrepresented communities. Brooks said Wicomico County has been added to the list of trailblazers in dismantling the system and setting new standards.

“We’re already getting calls and emails from people all over, people saying congratulations on the suit,” said Brooks. “This is encouragement for us. This is something that we need to do; this is a way for us to move forward so that we can help bring about change.”

While Brooks said the joy has been felt with this new victory, she added the work has only begun, and they’ll be shifting focus to encouraging the African American population in Wicomico County to run for seats in office.

“We need people who are connected to what people, real folk, need, and give them an avenue to which they can be adequately heard and responded to,” said Brooks.