Redistricting used to happen every 10 years. Now, thanks to lawsuits and partisan competition, it's an ongoing battle throughout the decade.
The two Texas communities in Tarrant County have little in common, but state lawmakers united them under the same Senate district in an act of “defensive gerrymandering,” essentially guaranteeing a GOP advantage.
All of the state’s legislative seats are up for election but due to the new political maps, there is little doubt about which party is favored in the majority of races. Democrats may gain five seats, but it won’t be enough to take the majority.
A political action group, a coalition of block clubs and nine city voters have filed a lawsuit against the city in an attempt to nullify the Common Council boundaries, claiming the districts should be more inclusive and racially balanced.
Members of the Los Angeles City Council can draw district lines themselves, thereby determining not only which voters they will represent, but also which businesses, institutions and other public assets are within those boundaries.
As they have in recent terms, the court’s conservative majority may set aside precedents and create major change in areas such as affirmative action and voting rights.
The city will reduce its number of voting precincts by nearly 40 percent, which is expected to save as much as $2 million. However, the reduction also means that many voters’ polling places will change for the November election.
If none of the proposed maps get a majority approval by Aug. 12, the map pitched by Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s administration will win by default. But the debate continues, particularly over the racial demographics of District 7.
In a typical year, voters are prevented from changing their political party affiliation between Feb. 14 and seven days after the June primary date; but due to a complicated redistricting process, voters can change parties, even on primary day.
The Court has rejected the Republicans’ official congressional map plan for a second time this year and has given the Legislature 30 days to redraw a new map, which would be used for the 2024 election.
After the county’s voting history was derailed by a federal lawsuit over the council’s redistricting process, there is now an unprecedented number of candidates running for County Council seats.
For the first time since 1951, Nebraska has had to have a special election to replace Rep. Jeff Fortenberry after he resigned. But in conjunction with a redistricting year, the election has left some voters unrepresented.
Just before the deadline, the Texas city council approved an updated district boundary lines map that some argue dilutes the power of minority voters and representation. Currently, 42 percent of Dallas is made up of Hispanic residents.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg and other city council members have lauded the maps for their independence and transparency. The new districts will go into effect for the May 2023 city elections.
Many communities across the country are experiencing big changes to voting procedures due to redistricting. Election officials and groups are working hard to update voters to ensure their voices are heard.
Plus a look at missed opportunities for Democrats; a redistricting roundup; and, courage under pressure.
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