Not so fast!  A group of Wisconsin lawmakers took their dispute with the recent redistricting efforts to the state Supreme Court.  Their appeal their ended up in a 4-3 ruling that affirmed what Governor Tony Evers had submitted.  Now, they plan to take their appeal to that decision to the U.S. Supreme Court for a final decision.

At play is the decennial (every ten years) review of lawmaking districts in the state.  While nothing prevents a state from changing the boundaries that make up a voting district more often, they are required to redistrict every ten years - following the release of the U.S. Census numbers.

Welcome to Wisconsin sign in Superior, WI
Nick Cooper - TSM Duluth
loading...

In theory, redistricting realigns the geographic regions that state lawmakers represent at the capital in Madison.  Done according to definition, the boundary lines would be set so that each of the voting districts in the state would be comprised of the same amount of people.  This sounds good in theory and looks good on paper, but the reality is that gerrymandering is often part of the process, with political parties and lawmakers seeking to keep their seats and their power.

Now that the Wisconsin lawmakers have taken their appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, they will have to wait to see if the federal bench will take on the case.  According to an article in the Superior Telegram [paywall], they "expect an indication within two to three weeks as to whether the U.S. Supreme Court will take the case".

Close-up of Wooden gavel with golden scales of justice and books on background
artisteer
loading...

Either way, the Wisconsin Elections Commission is up against the timeline and schedule for spring elections.  The Commission "originally said it needed to have new maps in place by March 1 in order to begin preparing for the 2022 elections".  Obviously that date has come and gone.  However, some hard dates lie ahead - including the April 15 date in which "candidates are scheduled to begin circulating nominating petitions to get on the ballot for this years' partisan primary elections".  A final decision would need to be on the books by that date.

U.S, Supreme Court Begins New Session With Individual Arbitration Case
Getty Images
loading...

Overused Words And Phrases Minnesotans Should Retire From Their Vocabulary

There are certain words and phrases it seems like everyone in Minnesota uses, and they're getting kind of tired. Here are some that we should consider giving a rest.

Duluth Lions Club Pancake Day Memories

Various pictures taken from Duluth Lions Club Pancake Day

30 famous people you might not know were college athletes

Stacker dug deep to find 30 celebrities who were previously college athletes. There are musicians, politicians, actors, writers, and reality TV stars. For some, an athletic career was a real, promising possibility that ultimately faded away due to injury or an alternate calling. Others scrapped their way onto a team and simply played for fun and the love of the sport. Read on to find out if your favorite actor, singer, or politician once sported a university jersey.

More From B105