A lawsuit contesting how Michigan has drawn its political district lines is headed for trial. A 3-judge panel denied an attempt by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and the League of Women Voters of Michigan to settle the case out of court.
The case began under former Republican Secretary of State Ruth Johnson. The lawsuit accuses the Republican-led state Legislature of drawing political maps so that its party would have an advantage.
The court later allowed Republican members of Congress and state legislators to intervene in the case. And when new Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson tried to settle the case with the League – the Republicans pushed back.
The court sided with lawmakers saying that Benson can’t enter into the settlement without the approval of the Republican-led Legislature. Now the case is scheduled for trial on Tuesday. But the U.S. Supreme Court has been asked to intervene…and it is still considering the request.
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—Cheyna Roth is a reporter for the Michigan Public Radio network. Contact WEMU News at 734.487.3363 or email us at studio@wemu.org
