Item3A_AustinHistory-of-Minorities-and-Representation(AGO) — original pdf

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Austin’s History of Minorities and Representation Elected officials subverted democracy throughout Austin’s history: • Politicians choose their voters; stop voters choosing their representatives • Disenfranchise minorities (Blacks after Reconstruction; Swedes, Irish, and Germans in the early 1900s; Blacks during Jim Crow; Hispanics in the mid-1900s • As Austin minorities gained representation, the establishment changed the rules to disenfranchise the minorities. That drive to subvert democracy and squash minorities continues today • At-large elections • “Place” elections • The “Gentlemen’s Agreement” • Attempts to prevent 10-1 geographic representation The ICRC was created, and its membership is screened, to: • Prevent politicians from choosing their voters • Assure voters, especially minority voters, choose their elected officials • Protect Austin from gerrymandering. NAACP / Hispanic Coalition to Austin ICRC