Compton voting rights ballot measure passing in early returns

In early voting returns Tuesday, a ballot measure that would change the way elections are run in Compton was passing handily -- a development that could mean more representation for the city's Latino population.

The city's four council seats and mayor's post are currently filled through at-large elections, with all residents voting on each seat. Although about two-thirds of the city's population is Latino, all City Council members are black.

A lawsuit filed against the city by three Latinas in late-2010 alleged that the system dilutes the voting power of Latino residents -- who are a minority of the city's adult citizens despite being a majority of the total population -- and violates the California Voting Rights Act.

LIVE RESULTS: California primary

After fighting the suit for more than a year, the city settled in February, agreeing to place a measure on the ballot that would amend the city's charter to institute by-district voting. 

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-- Abby Sewell

Photo: Compton City Hall. Credit: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times