WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge to Texas’ Senate redistricting plan that takes into account the total population of districts, instead of only those who are eligible to vote.
The case could have important consequences in states with large immigrant populations. The plaintiffs claim that redrawing electoral districts based on the population of citizens and non-citizens alike violates the constitutional requirement of one person, one vote.
The challengers claim that taking account of total population can lead to vast differences in the number of voters in particular districts, along with corresponding differences in the power of those voters.
The Project on Fair Representation is funding the lawsuit filed by two Texas residents. The group opposes racial and ethnic classifications.