The NewsObserver reports that the U.S. Justice Department could decide as early as today whether to approve North Carolina’s new Republican-drawn voting districts or send them back for changes.  If they’re approved, Democrats and a handful of independent groups are poised to challenge the districts in court. A prolonged court fight could delay N.C. elections in 2012, just as similar challenges did in 1998 and 2002. Previous challenges have resulted in redrawings.  Republicans are confident the Justice Department will approve, or “pre-clear,” their new congressional and legislative voting districts.