AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ A federal judge has set a date to consider lawsuits that would throw out Texas’ redistricting plans.
The case will be heard in San Antonio on Sept. 6. The trial combines three federal lawsuits that claim the new congressional and legislative districts will diminish the voting power of minorities.
Every state must redraw electoral districts every 10 years when new census data comes out. The Legislature is responsible for creating the new districts, and this year the Republican-controlled House and Senate passed new maps. They have not been signed by the governor yet, but they would help Republicans remain in power.
The Mexican American Legal Defense Fund, the League of United Latin American Citizens and an African-American lawmaker have filed suits against the state. The plaintiffs will introduce alternative maps.
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