Federal Judge to Decide Legality of School Board and Legislative Districts in Cobb County and Georgia

A federal judge has ruled that school board districts in Cobb County, Georgia, are likely to be an unconstitutional racial gerrymander and must be redrawn before the 2024 elections. The judge forbade the use of the current map supported by the Republican members of the board and ordered state lawmakers to draw a new map by January 10. If lawmakers fail to do so, the judge may order a new map or accept one proposed by the plaintiffs. The lawsuit alleges that Black and Hispanic voters were unfairly concentrated in certain districts, solidifying Republican control. The school board plans to appeal the ruling.