ABSTRACT
The basis for the Baker-Reynolds-Wesberry reapportionment cases was the charge of unfairness against malapportioned legislatures that over-represented rural areas, and under-represented cities. Equipopulous districts broke the power of rural minorities, both in Congress and in the state legislatures. It is far from clear, however, that the principle of population equality has achieved full representational fairness. In all the communities studied, Hispanics had lower registration and lower turnout rates than Anglos or African Americans. In part, this phenomenon may stem from lack of political interest. District lines are manipulated by both Anglo and Hispanic groups to aid favored candidates. Corcoran's voters ultimately decided not to move to a district system; but districts were created for Corcoran, precleared by the Justice Department and placed on the June 1994 ballot. Districts seem to be widely accepted by electorates— minority and nonminority alike— in jurisdictions where they result from an electoral decision.
