A Case Study of Municipal Elections and Latino Voter Behavior in Yakima, Washington

Abstract

The purpose of this case study examines the aftereffects of the Montes v. City of Yakima ruling that led to Latinx political representation on the Yakima City Council. The study will look at the quick growth of Latinx representation on the City Council and the withdrawal of representation on the City Council as it currently stands. I will be examining the obstacles and barriers that Latinx candidates face both running and serving on the City Council and why even after this historic court ruling Latinx residents in Yakima don’t have much political representation in city where they make up 45% of the population.