Judge sets initial schedule for redistricting case

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - A state court hopes to have challenges to Alaska’s redistricting plan resolved within 90 days.

Superior Court Judge Michael McConahy issued an initial briefing schedule last Wednesday. He said if testimony is required, he anticipated setting a trial week on short notice.

McConahy also consolidated challenges to the plan brought by two Fairbanks-area residents and the state Democratic Party. Attorneys for the Alaska Redistricting Board have asked that the challenges be dismissed.

McConahy’s timeframe suggests a decision by late November, though any decision could be appealed to the Alaska Supreme Court.

The high court ordered the redistricting board to redraw the state’s political boundaries for the 2014 elections after allowing an interim map to be used for last year’s elections.