Republicans who control the Michigan Senate will appeal after a panel of federal judges declared Michigan’s districts were gerrymandered and ordered them redrawn for the 2020 election.
It’s a major victory for Democrats.
The League of Women Voters sued, claiming illegal gerrymandering.
Under the order issued by 2 Democrats and 1 Republican judge, lawmakers have until Aug. 1 to redraw Michigan’s Congressional and legislative political districts. the ruling affects 34 districts. The Supreme Court can choose whether or not to take up appeals. The court has recently considered gerrymandering cases from Wisconsin, North Carolina and Maryland.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson tells WJR the ruling affects only the 2020 election. After that, Benson says a new state non-partisan redistricting commission will draw up the districts.