Mount Pleasant settles voting rights lawsuit, shifts toward district elections
Town officials voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve a settlement in a lawsuit filed under the New York State Voting Rights Act — marking the resolution of what is believed to be the first case brought under the law.
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A major change is coming to how voters elect their leaders in Mount Pleasant.
Town officials voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve a settlement in a lawsuit filed under the New York State Voting Rights Act — marking the resolution of what is believed to be the first case brought under the law.
The lawsuit was filed in 2024 on behalf of residents of Sleep Hollow, a community with a large Hispanic population that has never sent a representative to the Mount Pleasant Town Board.
Under the agreement, the town will move away from its at-large election system and toward district-based council seats. One of the districts will be predominantly Sleepy Hollow.
One of the plaintiffs, Sergio Serrato, said the settlement is about ensuring the law is applied fairly.
“If the law is there for a reason, we all need to follow the law,” Serrato said.
Town officials acknowledged the decision was difficult after two years of litigation and more than $1 million in legal fees the town will pay to the plaintiffs’ attorneys.
Council member Mark Ceracino said the board ultimately decided settling was in the best interest of the community.
Still, some residents opposed the decision and wanted the town to continue fighting the case in court.
“It’s a lawsuit that is worth fighting for,” said Mount Pleasant resident Carlo Valente. “It’s something that should be fought to the end.”
With the settlement now approved, supporters hope the change will improve representation in local government.
The first Mount Pleasant Town Board elections affected by the new district system are expected to take place in 2027.
