Politics & Government

State Supreme Court Throws Out Redistricting Maps

Nominating petitions have been set back two days as a result of the opinion.

The state Supreme Court on Wednesday threw out the new legislative redistricting map, saying it was "contrary to law."

The Post-Gazette reported that the opinion was issued Wednesday, and that as a result, nominating petitions for those seeking state House and Senate seats would be pushed back two days.

The Legislative Reapportionment Committee, the committee responsible for redrawing the boundaries for state Senate and state House districts, worked on the matter throughout 2011. Sen. Jay Costa (D-43)—he covers Verona—and state Rep. Frank Dermody (D-33)—he covers Oakmont—were on the committee.

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In his dissenting opinion, Supreme Court Justice Thomas Saylor wrote:

"Based on the petitions, briefs, and argument, I am not persuaded that the 2011 Legislative Reapportionment Plan is contrary to law as reflected in the existing precedent. Although I am receptive to the concern that past decisions of the court may suggest an unnecessarily stringent approach to equalization of population as between voting districts, I believe this could be addressed via prospective guidance from the court."

Find out what's happening in Plum-Oakmontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to the redistricting plan, the districts of several senators, representatives and congressmen in the area would change significantly. See how in this .


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