By Catherine M. Welch
Wilmington, NC – The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments Tuesday in a voting rights case from a state house district in the Wilmington area.
The outcome of the case could change political maps across the country.
At issue is whether the 18th House district should remain divided between New Hanover and Pender counties to provide a solid minority voting block, or whether it should conform to a provision of the state constitution requiring "whole county" districts.
Lawmakers say they split the district to comply with the federal Voting Rights Act, which protects minority voters. Mark Dorison, an attorney at the UNC Center for Civil Rights, says the Supreme Court's ruling could affect redistricting after the 2010 census.
"If the court resolves it in favor of the state of North Carolina, then I think we will see the intent of the Voting Rights Act really pushed forward and there will be more opportunities for minority voters to elect candidates of their choice."
Trey Thurman is an attorney representing Pender County commissioners who originally sued the state.
"If the state prevails in having the constitutional provisions in North Carolina set aside, then the legislators start getting more wiggle room to draw districts to suit themselves."
Voters have elected a black representative to the seat since the current 18th House district was drawn five years ago.
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