NY 2022 races to proceed, but judge can order backup maps
An appeals judge on Friday declined to slow down New York’s primary elections amid a battle over the state’s redistricting plan, but said he would allow a lower court judge to hire an expert to draw up alternative congressional district maps in case the disputed ones ultimately get tossed.
The ruling by state Appellate Division Justice Stephen K. Lindley essentially hands the decision about the constitutionality of the redistricting plan over to a higher court, while creating one possible contingency for keeping the elections on schedule.
The most-publicized change involves the 11th District held by U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island-Southwest Brooklyn). It eliminates the eastern part of the Brooklyn portion of her district, and instead adds parts of Sunset Park and Park Slope — Democratic territory. Malliotakis has protested the change, but already has begun to campaign in the new areas — for example, she was at the Brooklyn St. Patrick’s Parade in Park Slope.