Joint Statement on Justice Department’s Approval of Redistricting Maps

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday it has pre-cleared North Carolina’s 2011 State Senate, State House, and Congressional redistricting maps.  This is the first time in 30 years all three plans have been pre-cleared by the Justice Department during the initial 60-day review period.

Below is a joint statement from Sen. Bob Rucho (R-Mecklenburg) and Rep. David Lewis (R-Harnett), chairmen of the Senate and House Redistricting Committees.

“The Obama Justice Department’s stamp of approval on our redistricting plans confirms what we’ve said all along: these are fair and legal maps that give a strong voice to all voters.  It also should silence the racially-charged rhetoric and put to rest the baseless claim that these maps were somehow discriminatory.

“Today’s historic decision by the Obama Justice Department, after thorough review by Attorney General Holder, proves that we followed the letter and intent of the law in protecting the voting rights of minorities.”

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