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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2002

A federal appeals court, for the second time, rejected a voter discrimination suit brought by American Indians in Montana.

The ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals was unanimous. It affirmed a federal judge's decision not to change legislative districts on the Blackfeet and Flathead reservations.

A three-judge panel said the "totality" of evidence showed that Native voting power was not diluted. The decision is largely moot because the 1992 districts at issue are being redrawn. According to the Associated Press, the new plan creates nine majority-Indian districts, up from six.

There are a total of seven Indian lawmakers in Montana.

Get the Story:
Appeals court upholds 1992 legislative redistricting (AP 12/5)

Get the Decision:
OLD PERSON v. BROWN, No. 02-35171 (9th Cir. December 04, 2002)

Earlier Ruling:
Old Person v. Cooney (Ninth Circuit. No 98-36157. October 2000)

Related Stories:
Mont. now has seven Indian lawmakers (11/08)
Mont. voting rights on trial again (11/6)
Native voting case overturned (10/30)