Evers, Kaul file motion to intervene in Wisconsin redistricting lawsuit
FILE - In this Aug. 27, 2020, file photo, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers speaks during a news conference in Kenosha, Wis. Advocates for redistricting reform hope informal citizens commissions created in a number of states can draw public attention to partisan gerrymandering and its consequences. While the commissions have no official role, their supporters hope to use them to pressure the real map-makers to temper their political inclinations. Faced with legislatures controlled by opposing political parties, Evers formed citizens commissions to make recommendations to lawmakers responsible for redistricting.
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul are filing a motion in federal court, in hopes of allowing Evers to intervene in a lawsuit filed last month asking the federal court to draw the state’s next electoral maps.
The motion argues Wisconsin law says the governor and Legislature have a joint role in the redistricting process, meaning Evers should have the opportunity to provide input in the lawsuit.
Evers’ office argues the Republican-controlled Legislature has already been allowed to intervene in the case, requesting that it be dismissed outright.
“I never thought I would be spending a lot of my time as governor protecting our democracy, but it’s clear that with continued attacks on the right to vote, misinformation around the 2020 election, and efforts to gerrymander our maps, this work has never been more important,” Gov. Evers said in a statement provided by his office. “I will continue to fight every day to protect the right of every eligible voter to cast their ballot, to ensure we have fair, free, and secure elections, and to have fair maps in Wisconsin.”
You can read the full motion made by the governor and attorney general here, or embedded below.
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