First Circuit Court of Appeals found a redistricting plan illegal that denied African-American voters the opportunity to elect candidates of choice through the historical influence district. The Court's findings cited Voting Rights Act violations in a redistricting plan that eliminated long-standing cross-racial alliances. The decision also directed the lower court to consider all relevant evidence when evaluating the legality of a district, rather than merely looking to a set numerical opportunity to participate in the political process. In September 2004, the lead plaintiff, Metts, the minority candidate was elected to the Rhode Island Senate.
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