Federal court refuses state’s request to dismiss redistricting case as moot
COVINGTON, KY – A panel of three federal judges October 31, 2013 declared the ACLU of Kentucky and the ACLU Voting Rights Project winners in a redistricting lawsuit. In August, the judges sided with the ACLU (and the plaintiffs in a companion case brought by a group of Northern Kentucky voters) and held that Kentucky’s House and Senate districts established in 2002 were unconstitutional.
Shortly after this summer’s ruling, during a special session, lawmakers enacted new maps and filed a motion requesting the dismissal of the ACLU’s case as moot. On Thursday, the court once again ruled in the ACLU’s favor, making the temporary injunction permanent and clearing the way for the recovery of attorney’s fees.
Comment from the ACLU on the ruling:
Michael Aldridge
Executive Director, ACLU of Kentucky
“The ACLU of Kentucky celebrates this total victory in our redistricting fight. The ACLU was forced to bring this lawsuit to ensure that Kentuckians’ voting rights were protected. Unfortunately, the General Assembly, at the governor’s urging, disregarded our calls to accomplish redistricting during the 2013 regular session. As a result, officials have wasted Kentucky’s tax dollars on a special session and now attorney’s fees on an issue that should and could have been accomplished in a timely manner.”
Dale Ho
ACLU Voting Rights Project Director
“The court’s latest ruling in our favor ensures that the state cannot return to its malapportioned, unconstitutional legislative districts. The court will continue to have jurisdiction over the case to guarantee Kentucky’s voters are protected.”
November 1, 2013 - 8:21pm