Unknown how it could affect Polk’s District 10

 

COLUMBUS—Polk County is currently a part of the 10th Congressional District in North Carolina, but that could change with a new ruling from the Superior Court to redistrict the state again. 

A three-judge Superior Court panel ruled Tuesday that the North Carolina General Assembly’s districts are in violation of the state constitution and ordered a new map to use in the 2020 election. 

Polk County’s current congressional district is 10, with Senator Ralph Hise representing Polk County. 

Polk County Board of Election Director Cliff Marr said Polk County has never been affected by redistricting yet, but that could change in the next round. There was a redistricting in 2017, but Polk County was not affected. 

“It’s a big mystery to us,” Marr said. “We should know in the next two weeks.” 

The Supreme Court decision could be appealed, but it does not look like anyone is going to appeal it and will instead redraw the maps. 

Republican Senate leader Phil Berger has said although he disagrees with the decision he plans to comply with the new maps rather than appeal the decision. 

“We disagree with the court’s ruling as it contradicts the constitution and binding legal precedent, but we intend to respect the court’s decision and finally put this divisive battle behind us,” Berger said. 

The Republican legislative majority created the current map in 2017 after courts found that the previous map used race too heavily to create the districts. Tuesday’s Supreme Court panel decision found that the new maps have not corrected the initial problem. 

Tuesday’s decision prevents the use of the current maps in future elections and orders the redrawing of the districts for the 2020 election. 

Legislators were given until Sept. 18 to redraw the maps. An appeal could still be made regarding the decision, however.