Redistricting Update - Texas Primaries May Chan

January 25, 2012

 

Dear Friends,

 

The struggle over Texas redistricting continues as recent legal events generate more uncertainty.  Last Friday, January 20th, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the political maps that were drawn by judges in a San Antonio federal district court and ordered them to create a new set of legislative and congressional maps.  This means that the voting maps that will govern the 2012 election have not yet been created and the Texas primaries could be moved to a later date. 

 

Meanwhile, a Washington D.C. federal court must decide whether the original Republican-drawn maps violate the federal Voting Rights Act.  Closing arguments, which had been scheduled for February 3rd, have been moved to January 31st.  A final ruling in this case will help guide the San Antonio federal judges as they attempt to draw new maps.

 

Although these events can be difficult to follow, this process is important because I am concerned that Texas minority voters will be disenfranchised if fair political maps are not created.  The U.S. Department of Justice has previously stated that they are concerned that the Republican-drawn maps violate the rights of voters in House District 41, my current seat, where 98.5% of my constituents were eliminated.  It is crucial that legal district lines are drawn so that all Texans receive their Constitutional right to be fairly represented.  District 41 is your district, and your right to be represented is at stake. 

 

This Friday, January 27th, the San Antonio court will hold a status conference to discuss these recent developments and the Texas election schedule.  Although we do not currently know what the district maps will look like or when the primary election will take place,  I will continue to update you with any new developments in this battle. 

 

I remain committed to our hard-working Texas families and I will continue to fight to protect the interests of the entire Valley region and to ensure a strong voice for all of our delegation. 

 

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                       

                                                                        Veronica Gonzales

                                                                        District 41