Minority representation under cumulative and limited voting

We examine minority representation resulting from modified at-large electio ns (cumulative and limited voting) used in U.S. localities in the 1990s. Hy potheses about the relative proportionality of descriptive representation u nder various local election systems are presented and tested. We find that CV/LV elections produced descriptive representation of African-Americans at levels similar to those in larger single-member district places, and at le vels that exceed those from some small, southern SMD places. Results for La tino representation are more qualified. Our results offer encouragement for those interested in facilitating minority representation without using the acrimonious process of drawing districts on the basis of races.