• May 9th, 2024
  • Thursday, 04:46:39 PM

League of Women Voters of Greeley-Weld Victorious in Redistricting Lawsuit


Photo/Foto: Michael Fleshman/flickr/cc Voting rights organizations lawsuit moves forward to end voter intimidation and suppression efforts.

 

Posted March 7, 2024

 

The Weld County District Court has ruled that the Weld County Board of Commissioners failed to comply with a state law when redistricting early last year. In a lawsuit brought forth in October 2023, the League of Women Voters of Greeley-Weld County, the Latino Coalition of Weld County, Barbara Whinery, and Stacy Suniga alleged the commissioners acted in violation of State House Bill 21-1047 by not providing proper public notice of hearings on the redistricting process and by drawing a map that divided an important community of interest.

 

It’s a victory for democracy and the residents of Weld County.”
Stacy Suniga, Latino Coalition of Weld County

 

Judge Todd Taylor prohibited the disputed district map from being used in any upcoming elections and ordered the Board of Commissioners to reinitiate the redistricting process according to state law. According to the order handed down Friday, Taylor also said the board of commissioners “failed to meet nearly every procedural requirement” of the law.

 

“We are pleased with the court’s decision to grant relief on our declaratory and injunctive claims against the Board, and we remain committed to ensuring the integrity of the redistricting process and implementing it in a timely manner,” stated Barbara Whinery of the League of Women Voters of Greeley-Weld.

 

Stacy Suniga of the Latino Coalition of Weld County added, “This ruling reaffirms the importance of public input and adherence to the law in redistricting processes. It’s a victory for democracy and the residents of Weld County.”