Judges to hear state's argument for redistricting delay

Thursday, February 19, 2004

ATLANTA, GA (AP) -- State officials want more time to draw new election districts, arguing that the July 20th party primaries might have to be delayed under the current deadline.

A three-judge federal panel judges us expected to hear the Georgia attorney general's request for a stay in the redistricting case this afternoon. Last week, the panel ruled the state's existing legislative districts unconstitutional and gave the General Assembly a March first deadline for drawing new maps.

A spokesman for Secretary of State Cathy Cox, Chris Riggall, said his department sees huge obstacles to being able to meet the deadlines.

Democratic and Republican primaries for state House and Senate seats are scheduled for July 20th, along with congressional primaries and some local elections. The period for paying qualifying fees to run in those races is the last week in April.

Other state and federal guidelines also pose problems, including producing absentee ballots in time to mail to military personnel overseas.

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