CASE SUMMARY

On October 25, 2021, several Oregon voters filed a petition with the Oregon Supreme Court challenging the Legislative Assembly’s redistricting process and enacted legislative plans as violating various state redistricting statutes. Petitioners alleged the plans were drawn with the purpose of favoring incumbents in violation of § 188.010(2) because the enacted plans were based primarily on existing district lines, thereby favoring incumbents naturally, and the Legislative Assembly failed to consider non-partisan proposals or public input to achieve their intended partisan result. They also claimed the Legislative Assembly violated the redistricting hearing requirements under § 188.016 by holding only virtual meetings and not accepting public testimony on proposed plans. They sought a judicial declaration that the enacted legislative plans and underlying process were unlawful and a court order adopting the plaintiffs’ “Equitable Map Oregon” plan proposal.

On November 22, 2021, the Oregon Supreme Court upheld the plans as lawful, finding the petitioners failed to sufficiently support their claims that the plans as a whole, or certain districts therein, were drawn for the purpose of favoring one political party. It also explained the fact the enacted plan was based upon preexisting lines, by itself, didn’t mean the plan improperly favored incumbents since the state’s redistricting criteria and political geography had not changed much since the prior redistricting cycle. Finally, it held the Legislative Assembly sufficiently complied with all public hearing and input requirements that were applicable to legislative redistricting.

Related Case: Calderwood v. Oregon Legislative Assembly

CASE LIBRARY

Oregon Supreme Court - No. S068991 [together with No. S068989]