The state Legislature wants to take back control of drawing Arizona’s congressional district maps.
In 2000, voters passed Prop 106, which took redistricting away from the Legislature and gave it to the Independent Redistricting Commission. Late last week, Arizona’s House Speaker and Senate president asked a court to block the use of maps drawn by the IRC. They have asked for a preliminary injunction, arguing that the U.S. Constitution gives state legislatures the right to regulate congressional elections.
The redistricting commission’s lawyer said that has long been interpreted to mean the legislative process which would make the voter-approved commission legal.
Updated 9-23-13 7:32 p.m.
Editor's Note: This story has been corrected to reflect the fact that last week's filing was for a preliminary injunction.