The Role of State AGs in Redistricting in 2020

Virginia AG Mark Herring recently lost his motion to take his state's redistricting out of the hands of elected officials. He and his Governor had asked a federal judge to appoint an independent "map drawer." Despite the loss, Herring’s effort underscores the role that attorneys general have long played in drawing district lines.

Last spring, Professor Justin Levitt and I wrote a memo summarizing the history and the potential of attorney general involvement in the redistricting process. For those interested in legislative and federal redistricting, it’s worth a read.