Rep. Roger Lane, of Darien, Ga., introduces the proposed map of the Georgia House Districts to the Georgia House of Representatives at the State Capitol Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011 in Atlanta. The Georgia House has approved new political boundaries for its 180 members. Representatives voted 108-64 on Thursday to approve the Republican-authored map after three hours of debate. The plan will pit 20 House incumbents against fellow incumbents from the same party. Four of the pairings are Republican districts in south Georgia. Six are Democratic matchups in metro Atlanta. (AP Photo/Atlanta Journal & Constitution, Jason Getz)
Gov. Nathan Deal signed off on the plans for the state's new legislative boundaries last week, and the House previously approved the congressional map. All three plans must be submitted to the Department of Justice or federal court for preclearance under the Voting Rights Act.
The Senate approved the congressional plan by a 34-21 vote, split along partisan lines. Republicans say all of the plans will pass muster with the federal government, while Democrats vow a legal challenge to the maps, saying the plans dilute minority voting strength and accusing their colleagues of political gerrymandering.
The special session, which focused on redistricting, began Aug. 15.
Post a Comment