The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a blow Thursday to Indiana activists pushing for comprehensive redistricting reform.
The nation’s high court ruled it cannot decide whether legislative districts unfairly drawn to benefit a political party are unconstitutional.
Common Cause Indiana Policy Director Julia Vaughn has lead a redistricting reform push in Indiana for years. She says the ruling is a disappointment.
“A favorable decision would’ve provided more motivation and incentive for the General Assembly to pass reform,” Vaughn says.
Many legislative leaders have used the Supreme Court cases as a reason to stall on robust discussion of redistricting reform. And Vaughn says at least the Court’s decision wipes that excuse off the table.
“People in Indiana weren’t paying attention to this issue at all ten years ago," Vaughn says. "But now they are.”
Lawmakers will draw new legislative districts in the 2021 session.