TEXAS REDISTRICTING

Press statement issued this afternoon by the League of Women Voters:

Washington, DC – “The League is disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision to block the San Antonio federal court’s maps, and urges the federal court to ensure that any new redistricting plans provide the fair representation that Texans deserve,” said LWVUS president Elisabeth MacNamara. “We are, however, encouraged that the Supreme Court decision avoids the worst possible outcome—implementation of the state legislature’s original, discriminatory redistricting plans, which clearly violate both sections 2 and 5 of the Voting Rights Act.”

The Texas League repeatedly spoke out on behalf of minority voters during the state’s 2011 redistricting process, and strongly urged the Justice Department not to approve the plans originally passed by the Texas legislature.  Today’s decision leaves the fate of the Texas redistricting plans and primary election schedule uncertain, and the San Antonio court has been ordered to develop another set of redistricting plans.  The League has long advocated for a more fair and neutral redistricting system in the state.

“As the court now goes back to the drawing board, the League’s chief concern remains with Texas voters.  With a primary election that has already been rescheduled once, we fear this development will only lead to more voter confusion, more uncertainty for candidates and will continue to put strain on hard-working local elections officials,” said Karen Nicholson, President of the League of Women Voters of Texas. 

“Despite the enormous time pressures, we will be urging the court to use diligence and develop a fair plan that reflects the true diversity of our state,” Nicholson concluded.