Category Archives: redistricting

The Latest on Texas Redistricting Litigation and the Supreme Court

November 27, 2011, 8:35 pmredistricting, Supreme Court, Voting Rights ActRick Hasen

The Texas Tribune: Monday’s the day candidates can begin filing for office, and after a flurry of legal activity over the holidays, they now know what districts they’re seeking to represent. Probably. The state has filed appeals to block… Continue reading

“Virginia’s Parody of Democracy”

November 27, 2011, 8:13 pmredistrictingRick Hasen

This WaPo editorial begins: “STATE LEGISLATIVE elections in Virginia have come to bear a certain resemblance to what passed for voting in the old Soviet Union. There, candidates, unopposed and endorsed by the Communist Party, routinely ran up victories with… Continue reading

“The Buzz: Republican interests launch latest attack on California’s congressional maps”

November 27, 2011, 7:55 pmcitizen commissions, redistricting, Voting Rights ActRick Hasen

SacBee reports: “Radanovich’s federal suit contends that the panel violated federal voting rights law and the U.S. Constitution by seeking to protect three African American incumbents in the drawing of three Los Angeles congressional districts.”

Breaking News: Texas Going to U.S. Supreme Court to Block Redistricting Plan [corrected title]

November 26, 2011, 4:04 pmDepartment of Justice, redistricting, Supreme Court, Voting Rights ActRick Hasen

Correction and Update: The press release issued today indicates that the state plans to seek a stay as to the state redistricting plans, which were finalized Friday. There is no mention of seeking a stay as to the Congressional plan.… Continue reading

“Court-Drawn Texas Map Boosts Democrats”

November 23, 2011, 12:07 pmredistricting, Voting Rights ActRick Hasen

Roll Call reports.

When Thanksgiving Interferes with Redistricting: A Dissent

November 23, 2011, 11:20 amredistrictingRick Hasen

Court order on Texas redistricting comes with a dissent: Recognizing that many are already traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday, the parties are ordered to access these proposed plans and file any comments and/or objections via CM/ECF no later than twelve… Continue reading

Proposed Texas Court Redistricting Map Could Help Dems in Congress

November 23, 2011, 9:40 amredistricting, Voting Rights ActRick Hasen

The plan, subject to objections by Friday (someone’s Thanksgiving has just been ruined) is here. Dave Wasserman: “NEW TX COURT MAP: 23 GOP seats, 13 Dem seats (vs. 26 GOP/10 Dem under Perry-signed plan). Biggest redistricting backfire of… Continue reading

Quote of the Day

November 22, 2011, 7:50 amredistrictingRick Hasen

““Redistricting starts as a political process — and when it doesn’t work, it becomes a litigation process.” —Democratic lawyer Marc Elias, quoted in a Politico article, For Dems, Courts Mightier than Pen. ‘

“Gov. Brewer’s Overreach”

November 21, 2011, 9:13 amcitizen commissions, redistrictingRick Hasen

The NY Times offers this editorial on the Arizona redistricting commission controversy.

“Brewer’s attempted redistricting coup is put down”

November 18, 2011, 11:23 amcitizen commissions, redistrictingRick Hasen

Laurie Roberts: “Having said that, the remedy isn’t to go all banana republic(an) on us and try to toss the chairman on some trumped up charges.This not only makes the Republicans look desperate, it puts their own self interest… Continue reading

Three-Judge Court Rejects LWV’s First Amendment Challenge to Illinois Redistricting

November 18, 2011, 9:29 amredistrictingRick Hasen

You can find the opinion here. There is a pending motion for reconsideration.

“Court orders reinstatement of redistricting official”

November 17, 2011, 10:58 pmcitizen commissions, conflict of interest laws, ethics investigations, redistrictingRick Hasen

The Arizona Republic offers this report about this order issued by the Arizona Supreme Court today. This is major news for the vitality of the redistricting commission in Arizona. An opinion from the court will follow.