Texas is one of 16 states covered by the Voting Rights Act and must get federal approval for any changes to voting laws. The Texas attorney general asked the Washington court to approve the new maps drawn this year by the Legislature. But the Justice Department and Texas minority groups argue the maps were discriminatory and asked the court to hold a trial.
The court refused to approve the maps last month and set a trial date. The court released its analysis of the case late Thursday saying there is evidence of discrimination.
The court scheduled the trial for Jan. 17.
