Current:Home > NewsDemocrats lose attempt to challenge New Hampshire electoral district maps-LoTradeCoin
Democrats lose attempt to challenge New Hampshire electoral district maps
View Date:2024-12-23 18:24:07
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Democratic voters lost an attempt to block New Hampshire’s newly drawn state Senate Executive Council districts after the state Supreme Court ruled that their claims fall outside the jurisdiction of the judicial branch.
In a 3-2 decision Wednesday, the court upheld the dismissal of the lawsuit, saying New Hampshire’s Constitution authorizes the Legislature to draw electoral maps, and courts can only get involved when lawmakers fail to comply with specific constitutional requirements.
The suit was filed last year after the redrawing of the 24 Senate districts and the five districts for the Executive Council, which approves state contracts, judicial nominees and those nominated to lead state agencies. With the newly drawn boundaries, Republicans maintained their 14-10 majority in the Senate and 4-1 advantage on the council in the 2022 elections.
The plaintiffs, including former House Speaker Terie Norelli, alleged that the districts violated the New Hampshire Constitution because they were drawn for the purpose of partisan advantage. In the suit against Secretary of State David Scanlan, they argued the Legislature both “packed” Democrats into a small number of districts and “cracked” the remaining Democratic voters by dividing them among multiple districts so they fall short of a majority in each.
The court’s majority, however, agreed with the lower court, saying the case presented non-justiciable political questions.
“This opinion means that in New Hampshire, partisan and political questions related to redistricting will continue to be placed where they belong: in the hands of the people’s elected representatives,” Attorney General John Formella said in a statement.
The court did take action on the state’s Congressional district maps last year, adopting a plan just before the filing period opened for the 2022 elections. The court stepped in after Republican Gov. Chris Sununu vetoed two maps approved by the GOP-controlled Legislature that would have given Republicans a greater advantage in the 1st District. In the end, the new map didn’t differ much from the old; it moved five towns from the 1st District to the 2nd to reflect population changes. Both seats are held by Democrats.
veryGood! (6)
Related
- Why Cynthia Erivo Needed Prosthetic Ears for Wicked
- Duke graduates who walked out on Jerry Seinfeld's commencement speech failed Life 101
- America’s first Black astronaut candidate finally goes to space 60 years later on Bezos rocket
- The sequel has been much better for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving as Mavs head to West finals
- Queen Elizabeth II's Final 5-Word Diary Entry Revealed
- Wolves reach conference finals brimming with talent and tenacity in quest for first NBA championship
- Dow closes above 40,000 for first time, notching new milestone
- The Best Beach Towels on Amazon That’re Quick-Drying and Perfect To Soak up Some Vitamin Sea On
- Mike Tyson impresses crowd during workout ahead of Jake Paul fight
- One Tree Hill Cast Officially Reunites for Charity Basketball Game
Ranking
- Louisiana House greenlights Gov. Jeff Landry’s tax cuts
- Kevin Costner gets epic standing ovation for 'Horizon: An American Saga,' moved to tears
- Man wins nearly $2 million placing $5 side bet at Las Vegas casino
- Cassie's Lawyer Responds After Sean Diddy Combs' Breaks Silence on 2016 Assault Video
- Utah AD Mark Harlan fined $40,000 for ripping referees and the Big 12 after loss to BYU
- Kyle Richards Shares a Surprisingly Embarrassing Moment From Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
- Dow closes above 40,000 for first time, notching new milestone
- Edwards leads Wolves back from 20-point deficit for 98-90 win over defending NBA champion Nuggets
Recommendation
-
Nevada Democrats keep legislative control but fall short of veto-proof supermajority
-
Disneyland character and parade performers in California vote to join labor union
-
What time is 'American Idol' finale tonight? Top 3 contestants, guests, where to watch
-
Travis Kelce Cheekily Reveals How He's Changed Over the Past Year
-
Chet Holmgren injury update: Oklahoma City Thunder star suffers hip fracture
-
Ohio voters approved reproductive rights. Will the state’s near-ban on abortion stand?
-
11 hurt after late-night gunfire breaks out in Savannah, Georgia
-
Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour agrees to contract extension