NEW YORK – A central New York judge has struck down the revised election district maps recently approved by state lawmakers. Governor Kathy Hochul and State Attorney General Letitia James have vowed to appeal.
A Steuben County Acting Supreme Court justice on Thursday struck New York’s new maps for congressional, state Senate and Assembly seats, declaring the maps an unconstitutional example of gerrymandering.
Redistricting is a function of the state legislature.
Justice McAllister ordered the legislature to draw new maps “that receive sufficient bipartisan support” by April 11. New York’s primary elections are slated for June 28.
The judge’s decision said state Democrats used an “unconstitutional” process when developing the required maps.
Governor Kathy Hochul and fellow Democrat, State Attorney General Tish James issued a response to the decision on Thursday. “We intend to appeal this decision,” was the entire rebuttal.
If lawmakers fail to meet the April 11 deadline, “the court will retain a neutral expert at state expense to prepare said maps,” the justice said. He noted that state lawmakers could move the primaries to as late as August 23 if new maps are delayed.
