Federal Court Orders Redrawing of 13 Michigan Legislative Districts Due to Racial Bias

A three-judge panel has ruled that more than a dozen state legislative maps in metro Detroit are unconstitutional due to race predominating in Michigan's citizen-led mapping process. The court ordered the maps to be redrawn and no more elections to be held under the current lines. The panel found that the maps violated the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The lawsuit alleged that the maps also violated federal voting rights requirements, but the panel did not need to rule on that claim. The redistricting commission is considering whether to appeal the decision.