Washington isn't rushing to redraw districts, despite court order

[RandySF]

It's been more than two weeks since a federal judge ruled that Washington state must redraw one of its legislative districts in the Yakima Valley. But so far, no one is breaking out their pencils to draw a new map.

What's happening: Legislative leaders haven't agreed to meet in a special overtime session to reconvene the state redistricting commission, the body that originally drew the maps in 2021. And it's not clear they have the votes to do so, despite the court's order.

Catch up quick: In his Aug. 10 decision, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Lasnik ruled that Washington's newly drawn 15th Legislative District — which stretches from Yakima to Pasco — denies Hispanic voters equal opportunity to elect their preferred candidates, violating the U.S. Voting Rights Act.

Lasnik said the state could either reconvene the redistricting commission, a process that would require a vote of the Legislature, or leave it to the court to decide on a new legislative map.


https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/08/25/washington-state-redistricting-order-voting-rights-act

[MichMan]

1. Very similar to Alabama also ignoring the court

[Recycle_Guru]

2. not even close to what Alabama did

Alabama didn't use a nonpartisan commission. When the court in Alabama told them to redraw, they did but kept the same unequal justice map that favors whites and reduces impact of black voters.

So far, Washington has only decided NOT to pay for a special legislative session--doesn't mean they will ignore the court.

Edited to add link to article on Alabama case:

https://apnews.com/article/alabama-redistricting-voting-rights-act-7e7d8ca2fac4063f91311bd363515304

[MichMan]

3. Courts ruled in both states that the maps violated the VRA.

and that the districts marginalized minority voters.

Lasnik said the state could either reconvene the redistricting commission, a process that would require a vote of the Legislature, or leave it to the court to decide on a new legislative map.

[Recycle_Guru]

4. read both articles--completely different circumstances

[maxsolomon]

6. If anything, WA's redistricting commission is too favorable to Repukes.

Trying so hard to be fair...

[dlk]

5. The court orders should have imposed deadlines and penalties

People don’t change until they have to.