Panel backs judicial district changes in NC county

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RALEIGH (AP) North Carolina legislators have taken another step toward redrawing judicial election districts, although the changes would only apply in the state’s most-populated county.

A Senate elections committee voted May 29 to remap boundaries for Superior Court districts in Mecklenburg County and to create identical boundaries for District Court boundaries in the county.

Republicans have been looking since last June at whether statewide judicial redistricting is warranted, but House and Senate leaders can’t find consensus. Some members argued population imbalances within Mecklenburg’s current three Superior Court election districts was likely unconstitutional.

The latest proposal would create eight identical election districts for Mecklenburg Superior and District Court seats. Voters in each district ultimately would elect one Superior Court judge and two or three District Court judges. The changes would be phased in through 2022.