Evenwel SCOTUS Decision News and Analysis Round Up

By EditorApr 05, 2016
The first round of media, academia and policy wonks have weighed in on the somewhat surprising unanimous decision by the Supreme Court this week in the much anticipated equal population case Evenwel v. Abbott.  Here is the News Analysis Round-up:       How A Challenge to Legislative Redistricting Backfired.  The Atlantic CVAP (Citizens of Voting Age Population) Lives to Fight Another Day.  Forbes The Supreme Court upheld ‘one person, one vote.’ But don’t expect the battle over counting Americans to end.  Wash. Post Analysis: In Texas Case, Supreme Court Rules Nonvoters are People, Too. Texas Tribune District Fight May…
Redistricting, , ,
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Supreme Court Decides “Evenwel” Equal Population Case: Read the Opinion

By EditorApr 04, 2016
Wash. DC - The Supreme Court just released its opinion in Evenwel v. Abott, a challenge to redistricting based on "total population" versus eligible or registered voters.  Read the pre-decision discussion here. Redistricting expert Nathaniel Persily's brief is here.  Listen to the Supreme Court oral argument here.  The court flatly ruled against requiring redrawn districts to equalize voting eligible populations and noted the founding fathers acceptance of "total population" as an appropriate denominator.  In the words of the Court: "Settled practice confirms what constitutional history and prior decisions strongly suggest. Adopting voter-eligible apportionment asconstitutional command would upset a well-functioning approach todistricting…
Casedocs, Redistricting, Redistricting Litigation,
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Legislative Privilege Slows Down Virginia State Legislative Map Lawsuit

Legislative Privilege Slows Down Virginia State Legislative Map Lawsuit

By EditorMar 28, 2016
Virginia - Reform organization OneVirginia2021 wants to get into State court and litigate what they say is a heavily gerrymandered State legislative district map.  A bipartisan group of legislators wants to settle the issue of legislative privilege first. That is; whether they have to deliver to their litigation opponents, private communications between themselves and third-party consultants who advised them during the map-drawing process. A court must answer this question of whether the long recognized legislative privilege extends to dealings with parties outside of the legislature.  According to the Daily Press, this group of intrepid lawmakers is ready to be held in…
Redistricting, Redistricting Gerrymanders
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An 8 Member Supreme Court Could Be a Boon to Minority Voting Rights

An 8 Member Supreme Court Could Be a Boon to Minority Voting Rights

By EditorMar 24, 2016
The late Justice Scalia was "no friend" to voting rights, and his absence could mean the court deadlocks on upcoming decisions regarding redistricting, voter ID, one-man one vote, and more.  This just isn't about cases either, the court takes various requests for interlocutory orders, which can have significant effects on an election.  Josh Gerstein of Politico explains here.
Redistricting, Redistricting Litigation, ,
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Common Cause Conference Gives Glimpse Into Post-Shelby Activity in the South

Common Cause Conference Gives Glimpse Into Post-Shelby Activity in the South

By EditorMar 23, 2016
Washington, DC - On March 8 - 9, Common Cause held its Blueprint for a Great Democracy convention.  This session on Race, Redistricting, and Representation gives an extensive overview of redistricting / voting issues in the South and Southwest, especially since the Supreme Court's Shelby decision. Speakers include Allison Riggs, Senior Attorney, Southern Coalition for Social Justice; Ernest Herrera, Staff Attorney, MALDEF; Kathay Feng, Executive Director, California Common Cause & National Redistricting Director. Moderator - George Cheung Program Director, Joyce Foundation’s Democracy Program. https://youtu.be/Grr8MkBbTkM  
Redistricting, Redistricting Gerrymanders, , ,
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Supreme Court: Incumbent Congressman Has a Right to His District?

Supreme Court: Incumbent Congressman Has a Right to His District?

By EditorMar 22, 2016
Washington, DC - This was congressman's Rep. Randy Forbes (R., Va.) argument Monday at the Supreme Court.  In an attempt to overturn a federal court in Richmond's congressional map, congressman Forbes asserted his right as an incumbent not to have "his" district altered to his disadvantage; a novel legal argument to say the least.  Read the Wall Street Journal Article here.
Redistricting, Redistricting Litigation,
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Federal Panel Rejects Two North Carolina Congressional Districts

Federal Panel Rejects Two North Carolina Congressional Districts

By EditorFeb 08, 2016
North Carolina - A federal court panel ruled late Friday that two of North Carolina’s 13 congressional districts were racially gerrymandered and must be redrawn within two weeks, sparking uncertainty about whether the March primary elections can proceed as planned. An order from a three-judge panel bars elections in North Carolina’s 1st and 12th congressional districts until new maps are approved. Read More.  
Redistricting Gerrymanders, Redistricting Litigation, Redistricting Race Rules
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Evenwel May Just Be an Awful Can of Worms

By EditorJan 30, 2016
Victoria Bassetti, writing for Brennan Center in this article titled "Supreme Court Redistricting Case Is New Front in Voting Wars," speaks eloquently about the dangerous thinking behind the Evenwel case now before the U.S. Supreme Court. If the powers that be actually have a choice on what population base to use when redistricting, won't politics come in to play? Read the article here.
Redistricting, Redistricting Litigation, ,
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Augusta City Election Officials Perplexed at Running Elections Without DOJ Supervision

Augusta City Election Officials Perplexed at Running Elections Without DOJ Supervision

By EditorJan 28, 2016
In this local news story, election officials in Augusta City, GA remain befuddled about how to proceed with elections without having to report to the Justice Dept. on their every move. Apparently, the preclearance process has become such an institution in the city, official are at a loss on how to proceed. https://youtu.be/-LCuc1lRx8M
Local Redistricting, Redistricting, Redistricting Race Rules, ,
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