In Nevada, redistricting positions laid out by the parties in whether Hispanic majority districts can or should be created. Hearings are being held.
“Attorney Mark Hutchison, representing the Republican Party, argued that the Hispanic community
in central Las Vegas should form the basis for one of the four
congressional districts in any new redistricting plan.
Attorney Marc Elias, representing Democrats, argued that while communities of interest
should be considered, there is no requirement in the federal Voting
Rights Act that a predominantly Hispanic district be created.”
and more:
Attorney Daniel Stewart, representing Clark County resident Daniel
Garza, who opposed SB497, said the congressional districts in the bill
inappropriately “fractured” the Las Vegas Hispanic community into three
different districts to create three safe Democrat congressional seats.
“This is a perfect example of what I think the masters shouldn’t do,” he said.
But Elias warned that any effort to focus exclusively on creating one
Hispanic congressional district could lead to “racial gerrymandering”
which would put any plan approved by Russell at risk for a federal court
challenge. It is not possible to draw a congressional district in Las
Vegas that would have a majority of eligible Hispanic voters, he said.