Judge throws out Maryland congressional map over ‘extreme’ gerrymandering

The ruling Friday by Anne Arundel County Senior Judge Lynne A. Battaglia marks the first time in Maryland history a judge has found a congressional map violated the state constitution. Battaglia ruled that the map ran afoul of rules laid out in Maryland law traditionally applied to legislative districts, requiring them to be compact and to give regard to political subdivisions. She also ruled that the map violated the state constitution’s equal protection, free speech and free elections clauses.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan called the ruling “a monumental victory for every Marylander who cares about protecting our democracy, bringing fairness to our elections, and putting the people back in charge.” Battaglia had anticipated during the trial that the case would likely head to the Maryland Court of Appeals, as this summer’s primary elections fast approach. And its final outcome could have big consequences in the midterm elections both for Maryland and nationally as Democrats’ majority in Congress hangs by a thread.

The Maryland Attorney General’s Office repeatedly argued that the state constitution’s provisions laying out criteria for legislative districts — that they should be compact and give regard to natural boundaries and political subdivisions — only applied to state legislative districts, not congressional.

Del. Neil Parrott , who is seeking the Republican nomination in Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, said the decision marks a watershed moment for Maryland elections. The state argued its 2021 congressional map is more compact than the last and that it should be credited for that — though attorneys for the Republicans scoffed that it was only better because it could not possibly be worse. Battaglia called the state’s argument a “fictitious narrative.”

Everyone knows only Republicans are allowed to do that.

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Judge throws out Maryland congressional map over ‘extreme’ gerrymanderingRepublicans said Democrats in the state General Assembly sought to silence their votes through partisan gerrymandering. The case is probably headed for the Maryland Court of Appeals. walterolson Looking forward to hearing the thoughts of walterolson
Source: postlocal - 🏆 327. / 59 Read more »

Judge Strikes Down Maryland Congressional Map, Citing 'Extreme Gerrymandering'NEW: A Maryland judge has tossed out the state’s 2021 congressional district map, delivering a win to Republicans who called the map biased towards Democrats. All over the country 🤬😡 GOPFascismRising
Source: DCist - 🏆 518. / 51 Read more »

Maryland Judge Throws Out State’s Congressional MapA Maryland judge blocked the state’s congressional map, saying the plan violated the state’s constitution and was drawn “to suppress the voice of Republican voters” Ukraine live war Crying victims so they can commit even more atrocities, what else is new Just end gerrymandering. Not that hard.
Source: WSJ - 🏆 98. / 63 Read more »

Guatemala's Supreme Court suspends senior anti-corruption judgeGuatemala's Supreme Court of Justice said on Tuesday it has suspended Judge Pablo Xitumul, who is known for his fight against corruption and handling high-profile cases against the military and former government officials.
Source: Reuters - 🏆 2. / 97 Read more »

Judge rules that a dozen Virginia students can ask for mask mandates — but no moreThe order is limited to the 12 families who sued in Charlottesville federal court, whose children attend 10 different school districts in Virginia and range from preschool to 11th grade.
Source: postlocal - 🏆 327. / 59 Read more »