Federal appeals court affirms Washingtons redrawn legislative district map

The 9th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Washington's newly drawn legislative district maps, designed to enhance representation for Latino voters in the Yakima Valley, ruling they did not discriminate based on race. The court's decision confirmed that the redistricting process did not prioritize race over other factors in shaping the maps. This ruling likely secures the new district lines for the upcoming elections, although further legal challenges could emerge.

Attorneys for the Latino voters hailed the ruling as a victory for fair representation, underscoring protections under the federal Voting Rights Act. The state attorney general's office welcomed the ruling, stating it addresses previous Voting Rights Act violations while considering the interests of all Washington voters. The legal tussle began with a lawsuit from Latino voters arguing the original district map diluted their voting strength. They claimed the previous configuration included areas with historically lower turnout for Latino voters. The case reflects ongoing efforts within the community to secure equitable representation in Washington's political landscape.