Voting rights battle in Washington raises allegations of diluting Latino votes By Nina Shapiro, The Seattle Times Published: May 24, 2021, 6:02am Share: 4 Photos James Alford, center, watches as workers cut potatoes for his farm to plant on Wednesday, May 5, 2021. Alford's work force is entirely Latino. He doesn't oppose changing the electoral system, but explains the fear many farmers have of being regulated out of existence without representation on the county board. (Amanda Snyder/The Seattle Times/TNS) Photo Gallery SEATTLE — Ana Ruiz Peralta, a 44-year-old Pasco resident and Mexican immigrant, ran last year for the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, talking about improving roads and mental health services, and being a careful steward of public money.