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Huey » Today, 2:00 pm » wrote: ↑

Today, 2:00 pm

WASHINGTON — The Virginia Supreme Court on Tuesday let stand a temporary lower-court block on certification of a state referendum designed to give Democrats four more congressional seats.

 The justices’ decision does not necessarily mean they will ultimately rule that the passage of the referendum was unconstitutional under state law — as GOPers are arguing.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ProcessState Legislative Districts: Bipartisan CommissionsIn 2021, according to the process implemented by Amendment 3, Missouri's state legislative districts will be drawn by two bipartisan redistricting commissions, whose members are nominated by the state party committees and appointed by the Governor.Congressional Districts: State LegislatureThe state's congressional districts will be drawn by the Legislature by ordinary statute, and will be subject to the Governor's veto.CriteriaIn addition to the federal requirements of one person, one vote and the Voting Rights Act, Missouri’s state constitution (Art. III §§ 3(c), 7) requires that state legislative districts be compact, contiguous, preserve political subdivisions, promote partisan fairness and competitiveness, and do not intentionally favor an incumbent, party, or candidate for office. For congressional districts, the state constitution (Art. III § 45) requires that they be compact and contiguous.Public InputPer the state constitution (Art. III §§ 3(3), 7), the redistricting commission must hold at least three public hearings to gather testimony and objections to the proposed map. Missouri’s state statutes (§ 127.030) further requires the establishment of a “Redistricting Public Comment Portal,” a website that facilitates the submission of public comments and maps.