The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday denied a request from Republican members of Congress to put on hold an election map that gives Democrats a chance to pick up a seat in this year’s election. The ruling is the latest in a series of decisions triggered last year by a panel of federal judges who said Virginia’s map illegally packed African American voters into one district at the expense of their influence elsewhere. Last month, the judges sought to change that by imposing a map that increases the number of African American voters, who reliably vote for Democrats, in a district that stretches from Richmond to Norfolk. It is represented by Rep. J. Randy Forbes (R).
The matter is not settled entirely — the high court is still set to hear arguments in the case on March 21. But Democrats viewed Monday’s decision as a sign that the June primary will take place under the new lines.
“This is an encouraging development that will allow the Democratic Party of Virginia to make the necessary adjustments to ensure a seamless Election Day with the new district lines,” Susan Swecker, chairwoman of the state Democratic party, said in a statement.
Full Article: Supreme Court rejects GOP petition to block new congressional lines | Washington Posts.
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