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Department of Justice Releases Section 5 Guidelines

posted Feb 9, 2011, 8:49 AM by Michael McDonald   [ updated Feb 9, 2011, 9:00 AM ]
The Department of Justice issued "Guidance Concerning Redistricting Under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act." This important document describes the procedures and standards the apply to redistricting plans that must meet compliance with Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

To underscore the importance of the Public Mapping Project to minority voting interests, the Department of Justice states,

In considering whether less-retrogressive alternative plans are available, the Department of Justice looks 
to plans that were actually considered or drawn by the submitting jurisdiction, as well as alternative 
plans presented or made known to the submitting jurisdiction by interested citizens or others.

Thus, plans drawn by the public may factor into the Department of Justice's decision to approve a redistricting plan submitted by a jurisdiction that is subject to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.
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