Texas Redistricting Trial Wraps Up Without Ruling
SAN ANTONIO (AP) - The federal trial challenging the legality of new voting maps for Texas is over, but a three-judge panel considering the case has indicated it will wait for the Justice Department to weigh in before issuing a ruling.
The state attorney general's office wrapped up the nine-day trial with closing arguments Friday, saying the redistricting plan passed by the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature wasn't drawn with prejudice and preserves the voting power of minorities.
Minority and Democratic groups that brought the lawsuit argue the proposed voting lines are illegal because they dilute the voting power of Hispanics.
Texas received four new seats in the U.S. House after the last census, more than any state. The Justice Department has yet to approve the maps as required by law.
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