April 20, 2017      9:25 PM
Court names names on VRA violations on Texas House map
Six times in a row to be found in violation would seem to be a pattern, some argue
Texas
lawmakers took specific steps six years ago to avoid drawing potential minority
districts in the Texas House map, according to an order from a trio of District
Court judges today.
The
order, on a 2-1 vote, concluded Texas lawmakers drew Texas House maps with the
intent to dilute minority voter strength. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez
and Chief Judge Oscar Garcia wrote for the majority. Circuit Judge Jerry
Smith filed a minority opinion.
This
mirrors a similar conclusion last month on Congressional seats. Broadly, and in
specific areas of the state, the 2011 Texas House map diluted minority voting
power under multiple sections of law, according to today’s order. What
complicates today’s decision is that the redrawn 2013 House map, now in effect,
still contains many of the problem House districts.
By Kimberly Reeves
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