Redistricting: Raleigh Wake Citizens Association v. Wake County Board of Elections / Calla Wright et al v. North Carolina
Case name: Raleigh Wake Citizens Association v. Wake County Board of Elections / Calla Wright et al v. State of North Carolina
What it's about: Redistricting
Summary: These cases made it all the way to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which decided that North Carolina lawmakers overstepped when they drew new districts for the Wake County Board of Education and Board of County Commissioners. Although they started as separate cases, the disputes over Wake County's political lines have been consolidated into a single case. Issues involved in the case concern the use of race when drawing new districts as well as whether equal numbers of people were put into each district. Although the districts that were challenged have been overturned, the federal court has kept this case open to oversee what lawmakers do in response.
In the real world: 4th Circuit rulings in these cases invalidated the legislatively drawn districts and forced ad hoc measures for the 2016 election. Lawmakers didn't attempt to redraw the county districts during the 2017 session, and unless they do so in the 2018 short session, elections will continue to be held under 2011 maps.
Where it stands: The federal district court has maintained supervision of the case and will likely decide whether any action taken by lawmakers is in compliance with the 4th Circuit ruling.
