The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday invited the federal government to weigh in on a North Dakota voting rights dispute. Two local Republican officials aim to block new voting subdistricts for Native Americans after Secretary of State Michael Howe reversed his stance in the litigation.
North Dakota Voting Dispute : Federal Solicitor General’s Involvement
In an order list, the high court asked the U.S. Solicitor General to “file a brief in this case expressing the views of the United States.” This development highlights the ongoing North Dakota voting dispute involving subdistricts.
Legal Battle Over Voting Subdistricts
Charles Walen and Paul Henderson, local Republican Party officials, filed a notice with the Supreme Court in January, seeking to overturn a lower court’s decision. The ruling upheld two new House subdistricts designed to prevent Native American voter dilution, drawn along the boundaries of the Fort Berthold and Turtle Mountain Indian reservations.
Last month, Secretary of State Michael Howe called the tribes’ litigation stance “unconscionable” and requested the Supreme Court to vacate and remand the Voting Rights Act (VRA) dispute. Howe argued the state could not defend the lawsuit’s basis.
North Dakota Voting Dispute : Arguments for Vacating the Decision
Howe contended that vacating the district court’s decision would clarify that a state’s attempt to comply with the VRA cannot excuse unconstitutional race discrimination. If the high court rejects this request, Howe seeks a ruling in favor of Walen and Henderson.
