The Republican challenge centered on a phenomenon known as racial-bloc voting, the idea that voters tend to vote for candidates of their own race. Republicans argued that the practice was pervasive in the state, and that districts where black residents constituted at least 50 percent of the population were necessary in order for them to elect candidates of their choosing. Democrats countered that racial-bloc voting was not significant, and that multiracial coalitions had formed among black, Latino and white voters to elect minority candidates. They said that eight of the 15 African American members of the Assembly represented districts that were no more than 30 percent black, and that three of the five Latino state senators came from districts that were less than 50 percent Latino. That's how elections work in New Jersey.
Multiracial coalitions form.
Redistricting experts said yesterday's ruling likely would have national implications. It does speak highly of the state that there is such a high degree of crossover voting. It is a way to cement their influence. There are very different circumstances. The lawsuit was partly responsible for delaying New Jersey's primary and filing dates.