U.S. District Judge rules North Dakota violated Voting Rights Act

(Bismarck, ND) -- A North Dakota redistricting plan enacted in 2021 violated the national Voting Rights Act by diluting the state's Native American vote. 

The violation ruling comes from a U.S. district judge, who says the state's voting-district map effectively prevented Native American voters from enjoying equal opportunity to elect the candidates of their choice. State officials say the North Dakota legislature has until December 22nd to remedy the violation.  Assuming that deadline is met, affected tribes will have until January 5th to file objections to the state's new redistricting plan.  

The plan will go into effect next November.