Category Archives: redistricting

“Who Needs Congressional Districts?” and a Possible Answer

February 22, 2018, 7:20 amalternative voting systems, redistrictingRick Hasen

Michael Tomasky NYT oped: Now imagine that the state’s House delegation were chosen differently — nine from districts, and nine via general ticket. That latter group would have to win statewide. That means they’d be more likely to tailor a… Continue reading

“New Pa. congressional district map could be challenged by Common Cause, NAACP on civil rights grounds”

February 21, 2018, 6:01 pmredistricting, Voting Rights ActRick Hasen

This development is unexpected: Micah Sims, executive director of Common Cause Pennsylvania, said his organization and the state NAACP are considering filing suit in federal court to challenge the new map imposed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court this week. He… Continue reading

Breaking: Pennsylvania Republican Legislative Leaders Petition Justice Alito AGAIN to Block Pa Congressional Redistricting Plan Ordered by State Supreme Court

February 21, 2018, 4:35 pmredistricting, Supreme CourtRick Hasen

You can find the new petition here. The petition will go to Justice Alito, who can decide the matter himself or refer to the entire Court. Last time Justice Alito decided the matter himself, after asking for a response from… Continue reading

“Republican challenge to Pennsylvania map likely to fail; For Republicans, it’s not clear yet what legal avenue they plan to proceed with first, or the relief for which they will ask”

February 21, 2018, 8:15 amredistrictingRick Hasen

Politico reports. UPDATE: Looks like Pa Republican leaders opposed to the state Supreme Court redistricting remedy will file a SCOTUS petition AND a new separate federal district court lawsuit. Here’s why both are likely to fail.

“Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Files Motion Seeking Relief in the 2018 Midterm Election Cycle For Georgia Voters Impacted By Unlawful Gerrymandering”

February 21, 2018, 8:09 amredistrictingRick Hasen

Release via email: The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law filed a Motion for a Preliminary Injunction in its lawsuit against the Georgia Secretary of State that seeks to remedy an unlawful racial gerrymander. The lawsuit concerns Atlanta metro… Continue reading

“Into the Redistricting Woods”

February 20, 2018, 2:20 pmredistrictingRick Hasen

Steve Ansolabehere for the Harvard Law Review blog.

“The Geeks Who Put a Stop to Pennsylvania’s Partisan Gerrymandering”

February 20, 2018, 1:55 pmredistrictingRick Hasen

WIRED reports.

“Ohio congressional redistricting reform will be Issue 1 on May ballot”

February 20, 2018, 1:12 pmredistrictingRick Hasen

Cleveland.com reports.

“Pennsylvania Republicans to sue as soon as Wednesday to block redistricted map”

February 20, 2018, 1:05 pmredistrictingRick Hasen

The Morning Call reports.

“Subversive gerrymandering reform in Pennsylvania”

February 20, 2018, 7:51 amredistrictingRick Hasen

Derek Muller: Let me offer the outset that I am not doubting the sincerity or well-intentioned motives of the justices on the court or those involved in drawing maps. Partisan fairness is, in my view, as legitimate a political criterion… Continue reading

“Court-Drawn Map in Pennsylvania May Lift Democrats’ House Chances”

February 19, 2018, 8:39 pmredistrictingRick Hasen

NYT reports. More at WSJ and WaPo.

NYT’s The Upshot: New PA Districts Achieve “Partisan Balance”

February 19, 2018, 3:58 pmredistrictingRick Hasen

NYT: In general, partisan balance is not usually a goal when redistricting. You could certainly argue that partisan balance and maximizing the number of competitive districts should be among the criteria, but, in general, they are not. Instead, a nonpartisan… Continue reading

Pa Republicans Going to Fed Court

February 19, 2018, 3:56 pmredistrictingRick Hasen

AP: “Top Senate Republican lawyer Drew Crompton said Monday a separation of powers case will form the essence of the GOP’s argument. Crompton won’t say whether Republicans will go to a district court or the U.S. Supreme Court or what… Continue reading

Pa Supreme Court on 4-3 Vote Adopts Advisor Nate Persily’s Maps for Pennsylvania Congressional Redistricting; GOP’s Litigation Options Do Not Look Good

February 19, 2018, 12:15 pmredistricting, Supreme CourtRick Hasen

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court (with three dissents) [links below] has adopted Nate Persily’s maps for redrawing congressional districts. (One of the districts–18—looks surprisingly like Penn State’s Nittany Lion.) Philly Inquirer: Its plan splits only 13 counties. Of those, four… Continue reading