Federal appeals court affirms Washingtons redrawn legislative district map

The 9th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Washington's revised legislative district maps, affirming that they do not discriminate against Latino voters. The court's ruling dismissed a Republican-led challenge to erase the newly drawn lines, which aim to enhance Latino representation in the Yakima Valley. In her opinion, Judge Margaret McKeown noted that the district court's process did not prioritize race in its deliberations.

This decision likely solidifies the new district boundaries for the upcoming 2024 elections, though it remains uncertain if further legal challenges will arise. An attorney representing Latino voters praised the ruling, stating it ensures that the community can elect legislators who best represent their interests. The state attorney general's office expressed satisfaction with the court's careful analysis, highlighting the importance of the Voting Rights Act. The legal battle originated from a lawsuit claiming that the original district map violated federal voting laws by diluting Latino voting power. The revised map is expected to foster higher voter turnout among Latinos, especially during presidential election years.