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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

NC Court Reopens Candidate Filing; Poll Finds Voters Want Fair Election Maps

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Wednesday, December 8, 2021   

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Political candidates across the state can start filing again to run for the 2022 U.S. House and state legislative seats, after the process was blocked by a North Carolina appeals court.

The temporary halt came over a lawsuit about political maps. The North Carolina League of Conservation Voters, along with a group of residents, argued the state's newly drawn congressional maps are unconstitutionally gerrymandered.

Kyle Brazile, director of civic engagement for the North Carolina Count Coalition, explained state lawmakers are solely responsible for the redistricting process, and lawsuits are the only resource to challenge the results.

"They have the power, they have the authority," Brazile outlined. "There is no veto, there is no need for a governor's signature. So in North Carolina, the legislature runs the entire process."

The plaintiffs in the case want the court to block the use of the current maps for the midterms, and to push the candidate filing deadline further for the 2022 elections to ensure candidates can run in districts with what they see as more fair boundaries.

Lawmakers maintain they did not factor in data on race or political leanings when they drew the new maps. Candidates can now file to run for office until noon Dec. 17.

A new poll from Progress NC Action found 72% of respondents said gerrymandering in North Carolina is a problem, with nearly half calling it a "very serious" problem.

The poll also found most Democrats and Republicans believe state courts should be aggressive in limiting gerrymandering. But Brazile pointed out the state process does not allow for enough public input and accountability in lawmakers' decisions on remaking electoral maps.

"There's a clear difference between what the people want, what the people say, especially in wanting to keep their communities together, especially in, you know, not wanting to have some of these legislators 'double-bunked,'" Brazile contended.

He added despite around a dozen public hearings this fall and more than 4,000 public comments submitted to lawmakers, it is unclear whether those were analyzed or used in the redistricting process. The state's primary election will be held March 8, unless judges rule the maps violate state or federal law.


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