"Act One is over: The Redistricting Commission has adopted its plans; all that remains is final certification August 15. Act Two now awaits: court action against the plans.
The constitution gives the California Supreme Court 'original and exclusive jurisdiction in all proceedings in which a certified final map is challenged,' and the Commission has 'sole legal standing to defend any action regarding a certified final map.' Additionally, the maps must be submitted to the United States Department of Justice for pre-clearance to show they do not regress minority voting opportunities in four counties that fall under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. Further, the maps could be challenged in federal court for violating Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act by providing insufficient opportunities for minorities to win elections. Communities could sue under the state constitution over how their areas are divided up."
The Redistricting Commission: Now To The Courts
Fox & Hounds Daily:
