Voters ask court to settle gerrymandering case before 2018 primary

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Delayed court action on a redistricting case could keep current district boundaries in place through the 2018 midterm elections.

Voters challenging Pennsylvania’s congressional district map don’t want that to happen, so their attorneys are asking the state Supreme Court to intervene before it’s too late. Their attorneys say the case presents “an issue of immediate public importance” and are asking the court to assume extraordinary jurisdiction.

Their case is currently before Commonwealth Court in Harrisburg.

Any decision by that court is likely to be appealed to the state Supreme Court.

“The voters deserve to have this case resolved in time for the 2018 primary election so they can actually vote for representatives that reflect their interests and needs,” said Mimi McKenzie, legal director of the Public Interest Law Center, which Thursday filed an application for extraordinary relief.

Plaintiffs in the Pennsylvania case don’t want to wait. They are asking the state Supreme Court to hear their case before the May primary.

“This case is vital to the health of Pennsylvania’s democracy. We are determined to try this case efficiently to ensure the map is struck down and a new map that complies with the constitution is created for the next election,” she said.

The U.S. Supreme Court, is considering a separate redistricting case out of Wisconsin that could have repercussions for Pennsylvania, so there is reason to wait for