A ruling Tuesday from the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a federal judge's decision in a South Dakota case concerning Native American voting rights.
In 2002, the American Civil Liberties Union brought the lawsuit on behalf of two Native Americans, saying a voter redistricting plan in the city of Martin would dilute Indian voting strength.
At first, the federal district court ruled for the city. The plaintiffs appealed, and the 8th Circuit reversed the lower court and sent the case back.
Two years ago, federal Judge Karen Schreier of Rapid City ordered Martin to redraw its city council district boundaries because the existing districts violated Native Americans' voting rights.
The 8th Circuit ruling Tuesday affirms that ruling.
