Redistricting or gerrymandering? N.C. dispute embodies national debate

[jpak]

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2016/0311/Redistricting-or-gerrymandering-N.C.-dispute-embodies-national-debate

North Carolina remains locked in a tense legal battle over legislative redistricting that could have far-reaching consequences in the state’s upcoming congressional primary.

States around the country are embroiled in legal battles over voting requirements, district lines, and the rules governing elections. But few exemplify this heated battle as much as North Carolina, where the state legislature redrew congressional districts last month after a federal court ruled that race played too large a role in previous lines.

Democrats and Republicans are evenly matched in North Carolina and major elections are often settled by a handful of votes. Nonetheless, under the 2011 maps drawn by the legislature, Republicans control 10 of the 13 congressional seats.

The plaintiffs who challenged the previous lines are now accusing Republican legislators of redrawing them to favor the GOP and weaken minority voting power. On Thursday, the plaintiffs’ lawyers called on the federal court to rework the boundaries itself.

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[blm]

1. Actually, Dems received almost 52% of votes to GOPs 47%. They are NOT evenly matched.

At this point, still, NC Dems need to turn out 2 voters to every one Republican just to break even in power or move slightly ahead.