A trial has been set in a federal lawsuit brought by two Native American tribes that allege North Dakota’s new legislative map dilutes tribal members’ voting strength.

The bench trial is scheduled for June 12, 2023. A bench trial means the verdict is up to the judge alone.

The lawsuit filed in February by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and the Spirit Lake Tribe alleges that the state’s new legislative map violates the Voting Rights Act.

ATTORNEYS ARGUING A CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING CASE HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE AFTER APPEARING BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT

The Legislature during its special session last fall approved the map , based on updated census data. The map includes the new House subdistricts for the Fort Berthold and Turtle Mountain Indian reservations.

North Dakota political argument leads to killing

A trial has been set for a lawsuit brought on by two Native American tribes regarding redistricting issues. The tribes believe the new legislative map dilutes tribal members’ voting strength. (Fox News)

REPUBLICANS SOUND ALARM OVER CHINESE GOVERNMENT-LINKED FARMLAND PURCHASE NEAR NORTH DAKOTA AIR BASE

Turtle Mountain argues the split House district "packs" tribal members into a single subdistrict on its reservation, while diluting their vote in the non-reservation subdistrict. Spirit Lake alleges the new redistricting map dilutes American Indian voters on and near its reservation.

A federal judge in July dismissed the state’s argument that the tribes lacked the standing to sue.

SUPREME COURT ON TUESDAY TO HEAR DEBATE ON ALLEGED RACIAL GERRYMANDERING IN ALABAMA REDISTRICTING PLAN

Tim Purdon, an attorney for the tribes, said "subpoenas seeking documents related to the case" are being sent to about half of the 14-member GOP-led redistricting committee.