At least three Indian candidates are seeking office in Martin, South Dakota, today.

The city got rid of its voting districts and came up with an at-large system after Indian voters won a voting rights lawsuit. The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals said the Indian vote was diluted.

Martin is adjacent to the Rosebud Sioux Reservation and the Pine Ridge Reservation. The population in the city is about 36 percent Indian, but Indian voters have never been able to elect candidates of their choice.

Get the Story:
Martin election first since changes over Native American vote (AP 6/2)

8th Circuit Decision:
Cottier v. Martin (December 16, 2008)

Related Stories:
8th Circuit backs Indian voters in South Dakota case (12/17)
Indian voters win lawsuit against South Dakota city (12/8)
Appeals court revives Native voting rights lawsuit (5/8)