Utah judge orders legislature to redraw congressional maps within 30 days after finding illegal gerrymandering that favored Republicans in upcoming midterm elections.
A judge ordered the Utah legislature on Monday to redraw its congressional maps in time for next year’s midterm elections, finding the state legislature unlawfully gerrymandered its districts in favor of Republicans.
Judge Dianna Gibson said in a 76-page order that the legislature must pass a „remedial congressional map“ by the end of September. State lawmakers have already signaled they plan to appeal, meaning the case is likely headed for the Utah Supreme Court and possibly the U.S. Supreme Court.
Gibson’s order comes after a fight between two of the country’s largest states, Texas and California, thrust gerrymandering into the national spotlight. Gerrymandering is the practice of changing the boundaries of a congressional district in a state to benefit one political party, which critics say dilutes votes.
The lawsuit in Utah arose from redistricting changes that began in 2018.
