North Carolina gets preclearance of its redistricting plan
North Carolina's legislative districts have received final clearance from the federal government, two weeks after U.S. attorneys determined the maps didn't weaken minority voting strength.
U.S. Justice Department attorneys again told the state late Tuesday that they wouldn't object to the boundaries, thus clearing the maps for use through the 2010 elections. ...
Barring a late decision by the state courts, which also will review the state House and Senate maps, the election season should formally begin April 26 with the start of candidate filing.
"Unless something happens from the state court ... it looks like that there will be a July 20 primary," said Gary Bartlett with the State Board of Elections. Any runoffs would be held Aug. 17. -- U.S. Justice Department clears N.C. legislative maps (AP via WCNC.com)