What gerrymandering court rulings could mean for NC, and where the cases stand now

RALEIGH -- Gerrymandering lawsuits in both the state and federal court systems could dictate the political landscape in North Carolina for the 2020 election cycle and beyond.

This summer, court decisions are expected in Rucho v. Common Cause and Common Cause v. Lewis. The Rucho case deals with allegations of unconstitutional partisan gerrymandering in North Carolina’s congressional districts; the Lewis case makes similar allegations about state legislative districts.

The outcomes of these cases will have national and state consequences. They could change the way North Carolina is carved up into districts, making upcoming elections more competitive in a state where Republicans control the legislature and dominate the U.S. House delegation. They might even change the standards for what constitutes a legal political map.

Here’s what you need to know about these lawsuits.

Read more: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article231422113.html