Posted Feb. 27, 2025
The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the League of Women Voters of Greeley, Weld County, Inc., the Latino Coalition of Weld County, and individual plaintiffs Barbara Whinery and Stacy Suniga in their lawsuit against the Weld County Board of County Commissioners. The ruling affirms that Weld County, despite its home rule status, must adhere to Colorado’s redistricting statutes when redrawing county commissioner district boundaries.
The court’s decision upholds the principles of fair representation and ensures that all county residents have a voice in the electoral process. The ruling follows an earlier victory in Weld County District Court, where the plaintiffs were granted summary judgment, compelling the Board of County Commissioners to comply with House Bill 21-1047 and Colorado’s redistricting statutes.
“This ruling is a victory for democracy and for every resident of Weld County,” said Barbara Whinery, one of the plaintiffs. “The court has affirmed that no government body is above the law when it comes to fair and equitable representation.”
Stacy Suniga added, “Public input and adherence to legal redistricting processes are fundamental to a representative government. This decision ensures that future elections reflect the true will of Weld County voters.”
The case, League of Women Voters of Greeley, Weld County et al. v. The Board of County Commissioners of the County of Weld, was argued before the Colorado Supreme Court on Dec. 11, 2024 under case number 2024SC394. The court ruled that:
- The plaintiffs had standing to sue the Board for procedural violations;
- Colorado’s redistricting statutes imply a private right of action;
Home rule counties must comply with statutory redistricting requirements when drawing district maps; Weld County’s Board of County Commissioners must adopt a district map that adheres to state-mandated redistricting procedures in time for the next county commissioner election in 2026.
With legal representation from Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP (formerly Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP), the petitioners were supported by amici curiae, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Colorado and the Colorado Attorney General’s Office. The ruling sets a precedent reinforcing state oversight of local redistricting processes to prevent political manipulation and ensure compliance with election laws.
This ruling is a victory for democracy and for every resident of Weld County.”
Barbara Whinery
“We are pleased that the Colorado Supreme Court recognized that county home rule does not negate state law regarding a fair and legal redistricting process,” said Beth Hendrix, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Colorado. “This decision safeguards the rights of all Weld County voters to choose their county representation, not the other way around.”
The League of Women Voters of Colorado (LWVCO) is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. Founded out of the women’s suffrage movement in 1920, they empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation, at the local, state, and national levels.
