The U.S. Supreme Court has again ruled North Carolina lawmakers illegally used race to draw political district lines. Monday's decision upholds a lower court's ruling and may lead to a special election as early as this year.
In a unanimous ruling the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed 28 state legislative districts are illegal racial gerrymanders. And must be redrawn.
Last year, a federal district court made a similar ruling. And ordered special elections be held this year after new political maps were created. That order was put on hold while the case worked its way through the court.
Now that same district court will decide if the special election should still be held.
A few weeks ago the high court also ruled two of North Carolina's congressional districts were illegal racial gerrymanders. Those maps were redrawn before the Supreme Court heard the case.
Updated at 1:03 p.m. This is a developing story WFAE will be following and updating throughout the day.