• Investing
  • Stock
Round Table Thoughts
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Home Economy Trial begins in Native American tribes’ lawsuit over North Dakota redistricting map
Economy

Trial begins in Native American tribes’ lawsuit over North Dakota redistricting map

by June 13, 2023
by June 13, 2023 0 comment
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

Two tribes are in federal court this week, trying to prove to a judge that North Dakota’s legislative district map dilutes Native American voters’ strength on their reservations.

A trial began Monday in Fargo in the federal lawsuit brought last year by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and the Spirit Lake Tribe, who allege the redistricting done in 2021 by the Republican-led Legislature violates the Voting Rights Act, the landmark 1965 civil rights law.

Their complaint alleges the reapportionment ‘packs’ Turtle Mountain tribal members into one House district and leaves Spirit Lake out of a majority-Native district.

A federal judge last year denied the state’s request to dismiss the case on the grounds that the tribes lack standing to sue. The bench trial in Fargo is estimated to last five days. A judge will decide the verdict.

Here’s what to know in the lawsuit affecting how the tribes are represented in North Dakota’s Legislature.

What Happened?

The Republican-led Legislature in a November 2021 special session reapportioned its 47 districts based on 2020 census data. Each district has one senator and two representatives.

The Legislature created four subdistricts in the state House of Representatives, including one each for the Fort Berthold and Turtle Mountain Indian reservations. Lawmakers involved in redistricting cited 2020 census data meeting population requirements of the Voting Rights Act for creating the two subdistricts.

Turtle Mountain didn’t ask the Legislature for a subdistrict; Spirit Lake did and was denied, according to attorney Tim Purdon.

Tribal leaders unsuccessfully proposed a single legislative district encompassing the two reservations, which are roughly 60 miles apart.

Voters in 2022 elected tribal members to represent the two reservation-area subdistricts the Legislature created, though a former Turtle Mountain tribal chairman who had served 16 years in the state Senate lost his reelection bid.

Purdon said last year marks the first time since 1991 that the Senate has had no one in its body who is an enrolled member of a tribe sharing geography with North Dakota.

What to Expect at Trial

The tribes will propose their district plan to the judge at trial as one ‘that does, in fact, comply with the Voting Rights Act,’ Purdon said.

The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling affirming an Alabama congressional map’s impact on Black voters as a likely violation of the Voting Rights Act ‘strongly supports the arguments we’re going to make at trial,’ Purdon said.

Two general outcomes are likely should the judge rule that the map violates the Voting Rights Act, according to Purdon. The judge could recommend a map for the Legislature to adopt, which lawmakers could approve, or the state could appeal.

A ruling in favor of the tribes ‘would be monumental for both Spirit Lake and Turtle Mountain,’ said Nicole Donaghy, executive director of North Dakota Native Vote, which advocates civic engagement on reservations.

A ‘best-case scenario’ would be the two tribes sharing a senator, with a House member from each tribe, Donaghy said.

‘We are determined at building representation and getting equitable representation in the lawmaking process for our Native people,’ she said in an interview.

Monday’s trial proceedings included opening statements and testimony from former Spirit Lake Tribal Chairman Douglas Yankton Sr.

Former Democratic state Sen. Richard Marcellais and Collette Brown, who testified at redistricting hearings for Spirit Lake and ran unsuccessfully for a Senate seat, are on the plaintiffs’ witness list, according to Purdon.

What Else?

No matter the trial’s outcome, the makeup of the Legislature wouldn’t significantly shift.

Native Americans tend to vote for Democrats, who hold just 16 of 141 seats in the Republican-supermajority Legislature. Two lawmakers, both House Democrats elected last year, are known to be members of tribes sharing geography with North Dakota.

The lawsuit also is not the first time tribes and the state have clashed in court over similar matters. For years, the state’s voter identification requirements were embroiled in federal lawsuits until a settlement in 2020. Many tribal members who live on reservations lack a verifiable street address, a component of the state’s voter ID requirements.

Another lawsuit, brought last year by district-level Republican Party officials, alleges the subdistricts ‘are racial gerrymanders in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.’

That case is set for a bench trial to begin Oct. 2 in Fargo.

<!–>

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

–>

You Might Also Like
  • Jordan seeks to quell doubts about speaker bid at GOP conference meeting after a day of growing support
  • ‘Our country needs help’: Americans in nation’s biggest blue city grade President Biden’s performance
  • AOC faces House ethics probe over Met Gala, watchdog finds ‘substantial reason to believe’ violations occurred
  • Judiciary Republicans investigating DHS funding to NGOs providing free services for illegal immigrants
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

previous post
Trump to appear in federal court after special counsel indictment in classified records probe
next post
Trans activists flaunt bare breasts at White House Pride Month event

You may also like

Vulnerable House Dem dodges question on VP Harris’ record as...

July 24, 2024

Trump considering Kari Lake for 2024 running mate: report

March 8, 2023

California lawmakers to honor anti-Catholic Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence member,...

June 1, 2023

Trump alleges Pelosi turned down 10,000 soldiers ahead of Capitol...

September 18, 2023

NYC Mayor Adams slams ‘right to shelter,’ says migrant crisis...

August 10, 2023

Trump reacts to Biden’s Air Force commencement fall: ‘That’s not...

June 2, 2023

Johnson digs heels in on border security after meeting with...

December 13, 2023

GOP senators could block Jack Lew from Israel ambassadorship over...

October 17, 2023

Supreme Court to hear arguments in Trump presidential immunity case...

March 7, 2024

Trump wins pile up as Republican convention begins

July 16, 2024

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • Krispy Kreme stock plunges after doughnut chain pauses McDonald’s rollout, pulls outlook

      May 8, 2025
    • Don’t Buy Robinhood Stock… Until You See This Chart Setup

      May 8, 2025
    • UnitedHealthcare sued by shareholders over reaction to CEO’s killing

      May 8, 2025
    • The Unpredictable Stock Market: How to Make Sense of It

      May 8, 2025
    • AMD CEO calls China a ‘large opportunity’ and warns against strict U.S. chip controls

      May 7, 2025

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be...

      June 27, 2024 2,633 views
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as...

      August 9, 2024 2,339 views
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese...

      June 25, 2024 2,320 views
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful...

      July 10, 2024 2,303 views
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility...

      August 29, 2024 2,186 views

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,066)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,530)

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be revived under new House GOP bill

      June 27, 2024
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as Harris camp blasts ‘lying’ critics

      August 9, 2024
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese businesses to Delaware: ‘Longtime friends’

      June 25, 2024
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful of Chinese spy threats

      July 10, 2024
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility that collaborated with ‘Chinese military company’

      August 29, 2024

    Latest News

    • Krispy Kreme stock plunges after doughnut chain pauses McDonald’s rollout,...

      May 8, 2025
    • Don’t Buy Robinhood Stock… Until You See This Chart Setup

      May 8, 2025
    • UnitedHealthcare sued by shareholders over reaction to CEO’s killing

      May 8, 2025

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,066)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,530)

    Disclaimer: RoundTableThoughts.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2024 RoundTableThoughts.com. All Rights Reserved.

    Round Table Thoughts
    • Investing
    • Stock
    Round Table Thoughts
    • Economy
    • Editor’s Pick

    Read alsox

    Special Counsel Jack Smith to use...

    December 13, 2023

    2024 battle for Senate majority: These...

    November 19, 2023

    Initial Unemployment Claims Fall While Continuing...

    December 15, 2022
    Sign In

    Keep me signed in until I sign out

    Forgot your password?

    Password Recovery

    A new password will be emailed to you.

    Have received a new password? Login here