November 23, 2021 3:10 a.m.

On Monday, the Oregon Supreme Court upheld the legislative redistricting plan passed by the Oregon State Legislature during its September special session.

A release from the Supreme Court said it dismissed two petitions challenging the reapportionment of Oregon’s legislative districts enacted by Senate Bill 882. In Sheehan v. Oregon Legislative Assembly, the Court rejected petitioners’ arguments that the reapportionment plan in its entirety failed to comply with applicable statutory requirements. In Calderwood v. Oregon Legislative Assembly, the Court rejected petitioners’ claims that the parts of SB 882 that defined House Districts 8 and 12 failed to comply with applicable statutory requirements.

Senate President Peter Courtney said, “I think we passed maps that were fair and representative of our population. Today, the Supreme Court agreed. I appreciate the tireless work done by Senator Taylor, Senator Knopp and the members of our redistricting committee”.

House Republican Leader Christine Drazen said, “This court decision approves a legislative redistricting map that predetermines election results for the next decade. Democrats have significantly reduced competition by picking which party will represent most House or Senate districts. That’s not a real choice for Oregonians. That’s gerrymandering”.

The unanimous opinion was authored by Justice Christopher L. Garrett. Chief Justice Martha L. Walters did not participate in the consideration or decision of the petitions.