Pico Neighborhood Assn. v. City of Santa Monica

Summary

The court held that a California Voting Rights Act dilution claim requires proof that a lawful alternative electoral system would provide a protected class a greater ability to elect preferred candidates or influence an election than the existing at-large system. The protected class need not constitute a majority or near-majority of a hypothetical district; potential electoral success may depend on crossover support, plurality elections, or alternative voting methods. The court reversed and remanded because the Court of Appeal applied an incorrect legal standard and had not resolved racially polarized voting or other issues.