MADISON — A panel of federal judges has ordered the Wisconsin Legislature to redraw legislative boundaries by November, rejecting calls from those challenging the maps to have the judges do the work.
The three-judge panel released its decision in the redistricting case Friday. The state is expected to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to take the case.
State attorneys had asked for the Republican-controlled Legislature to be allowed to draw the maps if the Supreme Court orders them redone. Democrats who sued over the boundaries wanted the judges to do that.
A dozen voters sued in 2015 over the Republican-drawn boundaries, alleging they unconstitutionally consolidated GOP power and discriminated against Democrats. The three-judge panel agreed in a 2-1 ruling in November but didn't order any immediate action.
Democrats are calling for public hearings on the redrawing of those legislative boundaries.
Republican legislative leaders had no immediate comment on the ruling, but have previously said they expect the Supreme Court to uphold the original maps.
Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel has promised to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.
State Sen. Mark Miller (D - Monona) issued the following statement on this order:
Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Martha Laning issued this statement: