The Frequency of Redistricting in Nebraska and the Balance Between One Person, One Vote and Electoral Stability: How Often Is Too Often?

Abstract

I. Introduction . . . . . 576 II. Case Progression . . . . . 579 A. Factual Background . . . . . 579 B. District Court Decision . . . . . 583 C. Nebraska Supreme Court Decision . . . . . 586 III. Analysis . . . . . 587 A. Overview of Nebraska Case Law . . . . . 587 1. Preliminary Look at Section 32-553 in State ex rel. Steinke v. Lautenbaugh . . . . . 587 2. Meaning of “Most Recent Census Data” Answered in Pelzer v. Bellevue . . . . . 588 B. The Question of Frequency . . . . . 590 C. One-Person, One-Vote Standard: Reynolds v. Sims . . . . . 592 D. Federal Courts and the Frequency Question ....... 593 E. Nebraska Constitutional Guidance . . . . . 595 F. Other Statutory Guides: Redistricting Due to Annexation . . . . . 599 G. Potential Results: Ohio’s Experience . . . . . 601 IV. Implications . . . . . 602 V . Conclusion . . . . . 60