The state Elections Commission says it is moving forward with congressional maps the Wisconsin Supreme Court approved while the agency awaits word on what legislative lines will be in place this fall.
The commission on Monday sent a communication to clerks that the maps will be implemented in the WisVote system by Thursday before candidates can begin circulating nomination papers on Friday.
The communication also notes the Supreme Court hadn’t provided guidance on what legislative lines will be in place. The agency said it will provide more information when it can and advised clerks to consult with local counsel “on additional next steps.”
The state Department of Justice, which represents the commission in the redistricting suit before the justices, sent the court a letter yesterday that included the communication. The DOJ letter pointed out the “legal uncertainties for candidates, petition circulators, petition signers, and election officials throughout the state” with no legislative lines in place.
The state Supreme Court last month approved legislative and congressional maps that were drawn by Dem Gov. Tony Evers. But the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the ruling putting in place the legislative maps. The U.S. justices, though, rejected a move by the GOP members of the state’s House delegation to overturn the congressional lines as well. The Republican congressmen have asked the state Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling that put in place Evers’ maps, but the Wisconsin justices have yet to rule on the request.
Legislative candidates typically can begin circulating nomination papers on April 15 each election year. The court has given no indication when it may have a new ruling.
See the letter here.
