The court said the petitioners lacked standing on the case
Carleen Johnson
The Center Square Washington
The 9th Circuit Court has dismissed an emergency motion regarding a recent federal court ruling on legislative district boundaries in Central Washington affecting the state’s first Hispanic lawmaker.
The court said the petitioners lacked standing on the case.
The new district boundaries map was approved by a federal judge on March 15, with the boundaries intended to amplify the voice of Latino voters in the Yakima Valley in time for elections this Fall.
In a ruling last August, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Lasnik mandated the reworking of district maps drawn in 2021, citing violations of the Voting Rights Act.
But the new boundaries come at the expense of relocating five Republican lawmakers, including Latina state Sen. Nikki Torres, who represents a substantial portion of the affected area.
No Democrat lawmakers are impacted by the new district boundaries.
Senate Republican Leader John Braun and House Republican Deputy Leader Mike Steele issued the following statement regarding the Ninth Circuit Court’s decision to dismiss the emergency motion to stay:
“We are profoundly disappointed by the Ninth Circuit Court’s decision on the emergency motion to delay these district changes. What’s even more troubling is the district court’s decision on March 15 to alter these maps doesn’t seem to address the claimed core issue, namely the dilution of the political voice of the Latino electorate in the Yakima Valley. The new map results in fewer eligible Latino voters in the area and moves their elected representative, the first-ever Latina senator in Central Washington, entirely out of their district.”
This report was first published by The Center Square Washington.
Also read:
- Coast Guard approves fixed-span design for new Interstate Bridge
The U.S. Coast Guard has approved a fixed-span design for the new Interstate Bridge, clearing a major hurdle for the Interstate Bridge Replacement project. - Business Profile: Handel’s Ice Cream opens its first shop in Washington, in Vancouver
Handel’s Ice Cream has opened its first Washington location in east Vancouver, with a grand opening planned for Jan. 17. - Opinion: Why vote no on the Battle Ground School District levy?
Dick Rylander outlines why he believes voters should reject the Battle Ground School District levy, citing costs, enrollment trends, test results, and district spending priorities. - Letter: The multi-million dollar cash grab in Washington schools
Yacolt resident Mark Rose argues that rising superintendent salaries conflict with classroom cuts and repeated levy requests in Clark County school districts. - Discover your future at WSU Vancouver’s Preview Day, Jan. 24
WSU Vancouver will host a free Preview Day on Jan. 24, offering prospective students and families an inside look at campus life and academic opportunities. - County Elections provides important information for upcoming special election
Clark County Elections has released key dates and instructions for voters ahead of the Feb. 10 Special Election, including ballot mailing, registration deadlines, and drop box hours. - Battle Ground Police Department unveils new badge design
The Battle Ground Police Department has introduced a newly redesigned badge reflecting department traditions, local landmarks, and a commitment to community service.
