The Wisconsin Supreme Court has issued a ruling on Friday, ordering the redrawing of district boundaries in the state.
The court overturned the Republican-drawn legislative maps, siding with Democrats who argued that the current maps are unconstitutional due to the lack of contiguity in the districts. The decision, which was made by a 4-3 majority, comes as Wisconsin emerges as a crucial swing state in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
According to the Associated Press, the court's ruling means that the Wisconsin Elections Commission is prohibited from using the current legislative maps in future elections. Justice Jill Karofksy, who wrote the majority opinion, stated, "Because the current state legislative districts contain separate, detached territory and therefore violate the constitution's contiguity requirements, we enjoin the Wisconsin Elections Commission from using the current legislative maps in future elections."
The new district maps are expected to be unveiled in approximately two months. This development is significant considering that four out of the last six presidential elections in Wisconsin have been decided by a margin of less than 23,000 votes. Recent polls have indicated that the state is leaning towards a victory for former President Donald Trump.
Democratic Governor Tony Evers expressed optimism about the ruling, stating, "I remain as optimistic as ever that, at long last, the gerrymandered maps Wisconsinites have endured for years might soon be history." However, Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos expressed disappointment and suggested that the ruling would likely be appealed.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has announced that it will proceed with adopting remedial maps for the 2024 election if the Republican-controlled Legislature fails to pass maps that Governor Evers will sign. Governor Evers previously vetoed the current maps. The court has appointed two consultants to assist in the redrawing process.
The deadline for the submission of the new maps is January 12, with supporting arguments due ten days later. Consultant reports are due by February 1, and responses to these reports are expected one week later. The state elections commission has emphasized that the new maps must be in place by March 15.
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