The state is one of nine that requires federal approval for any changes to election law under the Voting Rights Act. A spokesman for the governor told the newspaper if the Justice Department unilaterally approves the redistricting plan, the state would drop the lawsuit. The plans must be approved before they are put into effect for the 2012 election.
"These plans were carefully drawn by the General Assembly to ensure that Georgia's growing population is fairly represented," Gov. Nathan Deal and Attorney General Sam Olens said in a joint statement. "And we are confident that they meet the requirements for federal approval."
Democrats have charged that the redistricting plan amounts to re-segregating Georgia, according to the Journal-Constitution. The federal government has recently engaged in several disputes over redistricting efforts. The Justice Department challenged a new plan in Texas, and a federal judge recently rejected a challenge from Alabama, alleging that the Voting Rights Act is unconstitutional.
