By some measures, Pennsylvania’s Congressional districts are among the most gerrymandered in the nation.
But the resulting district maps are being challenged, and one case is slated to begin today in Commonwealth Court. The League of Women Voters is bringing the lawsuit on behalf of registered voters from all over the state.
They’re accusing Republicans of intentionally designing districts so that Democrats’ votes are diluted, which they argue is a violation of the state constitution’s equal protection clause. They are calling for a new map.
Both parties gerrymander — when they have a chance.
Republicans are targeted in this case because they controlled the state legislature during the last two redistricting cycles, which happen every 10 years after the U.S. Census.
A decision isn’t expected on this case until January, but this week’s court proceedings could shed more light on the mapmaking process.
Full Article: Second Pa. gerrymandering challenge heads to trial today | News | witf.org.