WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- The North Carolina General Assembly Wednesday approved a new legislative district map, replacing a map drawn by a judge.
The new map marks the third time in two years the legislature has undertaken to redraw the lines. The plan was approved by the state House 72-44 while the Senate narrowly endorsed it, 25-23, at the end of a two-day special assembly session.
Wednesday's map replaces the lines used in the 2002 elections. Those districts were drawn by state Superior Court Judge Knox Jenkins after the legislature's map was found to have unconstitutionally divided counties and created gerrymandered districts benefiting incumbents.
The Winston-Salem, N.C., Journal reports Republican legislators may once again ask the courts to rule on the constitutionality of the new lines. A lawsuit, some observers say, might force a delay in the state's May presidential primary.
