The Frequency of Redistricting in Nebraska and the Balance Between One Person, One Vote and Electoral Stability: How Often Is Too Often?

Authors

David J. A. Bargen, University of Nebraska College of LawFollow

Abstract

I. Introduction . . . . . 576

II. Case Progression . . . . . 579

A. Factual Background . . . . . 579

B. District Court Decision . . . . . 583

C. Nebraska Supreme Court Decision . . . . . 586

III. Analysis . . . . . 587

A. Overview of Nebraska Case Law . . . . . 587

1. Preliminary Look at Section 32-553 in State ex rel. Steinke v. Lautenbaugh . . . . . 587

2. Meaning of “Most Recent Census Data” Answered in Pelzer v. Bellevue . . . . . 588

B. The Question of Frequency . . . . . 590

C. One-Person, One-Vote Standard: Reynolds v. Sims . . . . . 592

D. Federal Courts and the Frequency Question ....... 593

E. Nebraska Constitutional Guidance . . . . . 595

F. Other Statutory Guides: Redistricting Due to Annexation . . . . . 599

G. Potential Results: Ohio’s Experience . . . . . 601

IV. Implications . . . . . 602

V . Conclusion . . . . . 605

Recommended Citation

David J. A. Bargen, The Frequency of Redistricting in Nebraska and the Balance Between One Person, One Vote and Electoral Stability: How Often Is Too Often?, 82 Neb. L. Rev. (2003)
Available at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/nlr/vol82/iss2/7