Ellington

JACKSON (AP) — Rankin County Democrats and at least two white Democratic legislators have sent a federal complaint alleging that Republican leaders purposely diluted black voting strength when redistricting the county.

The letter sent to the U.S. Department of Justice also contends that Rankin County grew enough to get another seat in the Mississippi House of Representatives, reports The Clarion-Ledger.

In the letter, county Democratic Executive Committee chairman Ryan Brown says Rankin County grew by 26,290 residents, more than the target House district size of 24,322 people.

He argues that because Rankin has more than 28,000 black residents, it should have a black-majority district.

Under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, districts in Mississippi must be approved by the federal government to ensure they don't violate minority rights.

Rep. Johnny Stringer, D-Montrose, also has submitted a letter of concern to the Justice Department. In it, he claims his district's redrawn lines diluted the minority vote from 39 percent to 28 percent.

Nevertheless, House Elections Committee Chairman Bill Denny said he's confident the submitted redistricting plans will be approved.

"I can't recall any time we've had the redistricting process where there hasn't been someone disagreeing with it," said Denny, R-Jackson.

Denny said the plans were vetted by attorneys to make sure they followed state, federal and constitutional guidelines.