Judge’s ruling awaited in tribes’ lawsuit over North Dakota redistricting map

By Jack Dura THE ASSOCIATED PRESS BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)- A federal judge is expected to decide in the coming weeks whether the new boundaries of North Dakota’s legislative districts dilute Native American voters’ strength on two reservations whose tribes are challenging the map approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature. The bench trial in the case began Monday in Fargo; it ended Thursday. North Dakota District Chief Judge Peter Welte has taken the matter under advisement, with a June 30 deadline for the two sides to submit proposed findings. Welte will issue a ruling “as soon as possible,” according to trial minutes. The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and the Spirit Lake Tribe allege the 2021 redistricting map violates the Voting Rights Act, the landmark civil rights law from 1965. Their…

Add Your Voice

Is there more to this story? We'd like to hear from you about this or any other stories you think we should know about. Contribute your voice on our contribute page.