Federal appeals court won't block Washington's redrawn legislative district map
New legislative district boundaries intended to amplify the voice of Latino voters in the Yakima Valley will be in place for elections this year, after a panel of federal judges declined to pause them from taking effect.
But the judges said a challenge to the legality of the borders can continue before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, leaving open the possibility of their refinement or erasure. A panel of three circuit judges, Sandra Ikuta, Michelle Friedland and Salvador Mendoza, issued the order Friday night. Briefs in the appeal are due starting in June, per court records.
Meanwhile, on Monday, those opposed to the new boundaries asked the U.S. Supreme Court to issue an emergency stay preventing their use.
The fight centers on a lawsuit filed by Latino voters, arguing the 15th Legislative District borders approved by the Washington Legislature in early 2022 violated federal law by impairing the ability of Latino voters to participate equally in elections.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/03/25/federal-appeals-court-wont-block-washingtons-redrawn-legislative-district-map/