The Latest:
The N.C. Supreme Court struck down the state’s legislation and Congressional voting maps on Friday.
Officials cited unconstitutional partisan gerrymandering as the reason, saying the maps violate a voter’s fundamental right to vote.
N.C. Governor Roy Cooper responded to the news in a Tweet.
A healthy democracy requires free elections and the NC Supreme Court is right to order a redraw of unconstitutionally gerrymandered districts. More work remains and any legislative redraw must reflect the full intent of this decision. – RC
— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) February 4, 2022
Update (1/7/22):
A rapid trial over North Carolina’s new congressional and legislative districts has concluded with arguments over whether the boundaries contain unlawful gerrymanders that must be replaced.
The three trial judges now have until Tuesday to rule, the result of a directive by the state Supreme Court. The justices delayed the March primary until May in the meantime.
The plaintiffs’ lawyers said Thursday that the maps approved by the General Assembly include illegal partisan and racial gerrymanders and must be redrawn.
Republican legislative leaders say the boundaries are lawful and the maps’ challengers failed to explain exactly how much partisanship in line-drawing is too much.
Original Story (1/3/22):
RALEIGH, N.C. — A fast-moving trial to determine whether North Carolina’s new congressional and legislative maps contain unlawful gerrymanders or otherwise should be used in the 2022 elections is set to begin.
An array of lawyers for plaintiffs and leaders of the Republican-controlled General Assembly that approved maps in November will have three days to present evidence before a panel of state trial judges starting Monday.
Closing arguments are Thursday.
The state Supreme Court last month ordered the judges to hear redistricting litigation and rule by Jan. 11. Appeals are then expected.
The justices delayed the March 8 primary until May 17 in the meantime.
