Federal judge rules political maps in Georgia have to be redrawn for 2024 election

Georgia's congressional and state legislative districts have to be redrawn before the 2024 election, according to a ruling from a federal judge. 

The decision was written by U.S. District Court Judge Steve Jones, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama. He ordered the maps to be redrawn by Dec. 8, according to NPR.

The order, which was released Thursday, rules that the current maps of the districts violate the federal Voting Rights Act by shrinking the voting power of black voters. 

"The Court reiterates that Georgia has made great strides since 1965 towards equality in voting," the ruling reads.  "However, the evidence before this Court shows that Georgia has not reached the point where the political process has equal openness and equal opportunity for everyone."

The state is expected to appeal the decision. 

NPR reports that Georgia GOP Gov. Brian Kemp will call the legislature back for a special session in a few days to produce new maps.