PASCO — The auditor for Franklin County says he will not allow Pasco City Council candidates to be elected by districts in the general election.
City officials have been exploring the idea of voting by district, particularly after a number of Pasco residents said citywide elections dilute the Hispanic vote.
The Tri-City Herald reports that the City Council last month set up voting boundaries for its five districts, giving two of them Hispanic majorities.
But county Auditor Matt Beaton says his office cannot decide which laws it chooses to follow, and will not conduct an election contrary to state law.
The city of Yakima recently lost a lawsuit filed by the ACLU and now must hold City Council elections by district. Yakima is appealing that decision.
