Maryland judge tosses state's congressional map, calls it an 'extreme partisan gerrymander' in a set
setback for Democrats
A Maryland judge on Friday tossed the state's congressional map, describing it as an "extreme partisan gerrymander" in what was a rare defeat for Democrats during the current redistricting cycle.
The ruling by Anne Arundel County Senior Judge Lynne A. Battaglia found that the map passed by the Democratic-dominated legislature possessed "constitutional failings" and did not adhere to requirements on "compactness" and keeping communities of interest together.
"All of the testimony in this case supports the notions that the voice of Republican voters was diluted and their right to vote and be heard with the efficacy of Democratic voter was diminished," she wrote in her opinion. "No compelling reason for the dilution and diminution was ever adduced by the State."
The Washington Post reported that it was the first time in the state's history that a judge ruled a congressional map violated Maryland's constitution.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/maryland-judge-tosses-states-congressional-map-calls-it-an-extreme-partisan-gerrymander-in-a-setback-for-democrats/ar-AAVwHNf?li=BBnb7Kz