Legal Document

403 U.S. 1 91 Supreme Court Reporter 1889 29 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 273 Atlantic T. GORDON et al., Petitioners,v.Granville or Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 LANCE al. Number 96. Argued Jan. 18, 1971. Decided June 7, Syllabus West Virginia's constitutional and statutory requirement that political subdivisions may not incur bonded indebtedness increase tax rates beyond those established by the State Constitution without approval of 60% voters in a referendum election does discriminate against authorize discrimination any identifiable class violate Equal Protection Clause other provision Constitution. Gray versus Sanders, 372 368, 83 801, 9 821 Cipriano City Houma, 395 701, 89 1897, 23 647, distinguished. Pp. 4—8. 153 W.Va. 559, 170 South Eastern Reporter, 2nd 783, reversed. George M. Scott, Minneapolis, Minn., for petitioners. Charles C. Wise, Jr., Charleston, W. Va., respondents. [Amicus Curiae Information from page 2 intentionally omitted] Mr. Chief Justice BURGER delivered opinion Court. We granted certiorari to review challenge vote public debt as violative Fourteenth Amendment. The Virginia certain statutes provide election. 3 On April 29, 1968, Board Education Roane County, Virginia, submitted County proposal calling issuance general obligation bonds amount $1,830,000 purpose constructing new school buildings improving existing educational facilities. At same election, separate ballot, were asked levy additional taxes support current expenditures capital improvements. Of total votes cast, 51.55% favored bond issues 51.51% levy. Having failed obtain requisite affirmative vote, proposals declared defeated. 4 Following respondents appeared before on behalf themselves persons who had voted favor demanded taxes. refused. 5 Respondents then brought this action, seeking declaratory judgment requirements unconstitutional In their complaint they alleged schools been basically unimproved since 1946 fell far below state average, both classroom size They further four similar previously defeated, although each received majorities ranging 52.51% 55.84%. trial court dismissed complaint. appeal, Appeals reversed, holding violated 783 (1969). certiorari, 397 1020, 90 1264, 25 530 (1970), reasons set forth below, we reverse. 6 relied heavily two our holdings dealing with limitations right dilution voting power. first was (1963), which held Georgia's county-unit system Clause, because primary electors one county accorded less weight than counties. second 647 (1969), impermissible limitation 'property taxpayers' revenue referendum. From these cases concluded constitutionally defective, proportionately smaller impact outcome opposed bonds. 7 conclude court's reliance misplaced. defect found lay denial power group characteristics—geographic location property ownership—that bore no valid relation interest groups subject matter election; moreover, imposed irrespective how members actually voted.1 8 Thus Gray, supra, U.S., at 381 n. 12, S.Ct., 809, hold would have defective even if unit allocated strictly proportion population. noted candidate cast particular he receive county's entire 40% candidates being discarded. defect, however, continued be geographic discrimination. Votes losing discarded solely where cast. Indeed, winning likewise devalued, all marginal him statewide total. more reassertion principle, consistently recognized, an individual denied access ballot some extraneous condition, such race, e.g., Gomillion Lightfoot, 364 339, 81 125, 110 (1960); wealth, Harper Elections, 383 663, 86 1079, 16 169 (1966); status, Kramer Union Free School Dist., 621, 1886, 583 (1969); military Carrington Rash, 380 89, 85 775, 13 675 (1965). 10 Unlike restrictions previous cases, singles out 'discrete insular minority' special treatment. three-fifths applied equally purpose, whether schools, sewers, highways. are not, therefore, presented case like Hunter Erickson, 393 385, 557, 21 616 fair housing legislation alone automatic requirement. 11 single clear—'those benefit laws barring racial, religious, ancestral discriminations,' 391, 560. contrast can discern independently category favors over forms financing. Consequently sector population said 'fenced out' franchise way will vote. Cf. 94, 779. 12 Although has it indeed made difficult kinds governmental actions taken. Certainly departure strict majority rule gives disproportionate minority. But there is nothing language Constitution, history, requires always prevail every issue. contrary, while recognized officials normally chosen electorate, barrier selection Governor legislature, after popular Fortson Morris, 385 231, 87 446, 17 330 (1966). Federal itself provides simple insufficient issues; provisions impeachment ratification treaties but example. Moreover, Bill Rights removes areas concept majoritarian supremacy. constitutions many prohibit severely limit legislature create indebtedness,2 thereby insulating control. Whether matters finance taxation considered 'important' treaties, foreign policy officers properly left determination people courts operating under broad mandate It must remembered issue committing, part, credit infants generations yet unborn, restriction commitment unreasonable demand. That desirable objective providing better education future goes wisdom limitation: alter basic fact balancing interests resolve. 14 Wisely long resolved remove choice decisions what incurred children bear. 15 so do Clause.3 see meaningful distinction between absolute debt, changeable only amendment, legislative require legislature. latter may, practice, burdensome amendment process.4 considerations apply when ultimate power, rather delegated remains people, present given approved registered voters.5 Clay Thornton, 253 S.C. 209, 617 appeal sub nom. Turner Clay, 39, 814, 40 (1970). adopted decision, applicable referenda, strong consensus required authorized, Constitution.6 Reversed. 18 HARLAN concurs result stated his Whitcomb Chavis, 124, 165, 1858, 1881, 363. 19 BRENNAN MARSHALL affirm expressed Appeals, While involved percentage reduction individual's owned similarly defective. See Stewart Parish Board, 310 F.Supp. 1172 (ED La.), aff'd, 400 884, 136, 27 129 E.g., Indiana Article 10, § 5; Ohio 8, 3; Texas 3, 49; Wisconsin 4. Compare Reitman Mulkey, 387 369, 1627, 830 (1967). Some sessions submission people. 14, 2, two-thirds voters. There 8,913 whom 5,600 If eligible required, 79% voting. Official Returns 1970 Primary Election (including 1968 registration figures). intimate view constitutionality requiring unanimity giving veto very small group. Nor decide extraordinary officers.

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