Judge rules in Federalsburg voting rights violation lawsuit

FEDERALSBURG, Md. – A federal judge has handed down a decision in the lawsuit filed against the town of Federalsburg. The town was being sued for alleged violation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965; in the town’s 200-year history, a person of color has never once held a seat on its government.

Federal Judge Rules

U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie Gallagher of Maryland ruled that Federalsburg must change its town charter; Federalsburg will now operate under districts, as opposed to its previous at-large system.

The judge also determining that two of the town’s current council members must step down. With their departure, Federalsburg will hold a special election, with the hope that at least one person of color will be elected, say advocates.

“We got the satisfaction of going to districts, rather than at large,” said Convener of the Caucus of African American Leaders of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Reverend James Jones. “Because the charter was amended to better fit the people of Federalsburg, I do call that a victory. I do not call it a victory in the sense that now we have to wait until at least Monday’s council meeting to find out what two members of the Federalsburg Council will step down from their office.”

Sending a Message

Right now, it’s unclear who those two members may be. However, that will likely be determined at Monday’s council meeting.

“There are some very prominent, and well-prepared persons in Federalsburg that will run, that will seek the election,” said Rev. Jones. “I am confident that when the people of Federalsburg pull together, this will definitely come to pass. It will take place.”

Nehemiah Bester, Communications Strategist for the ACLU of Maryland, says this ruling will likely send a powerful message to the rest of the nation.

“I think as the rest of the country is watching this town in this process, we just want the town of Federalsburg to do the right thing. And, I think that will create precedent for the remaining towns surrounding and the counties,” said Bester. “This is 200 years, and no Black official has been elected in the town’s government. I think not only is that problematic, but it’s also a pattern; a 200-year pattern of a discriminatory election system.”

“This will happen.”

Looking ahead to Monday’s meeting, Bester says this development does not mark the end of the mission. “There’s more work to be done. There’s more advocacy that we need to accomplish,” he said.

Rev. Jones agrees that the fight is far from over; vowing that if two of Federalsburg’s council members do not step down as ordered, they will be held accountable.

“When you come together in unison, you can make things happen,” said Rev. Jones. “I feel strongly in saying that all of that is now a thing of the past. This will happen. There will be at least a council member of color in Federalsburg.”