ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal's office says the Obama administration has approved new political boundaries in Georgia.
Deal spokesman Brian Robinson said the Department of Justice on Friday signed off on the maps for congressional and legislative districts.
State Democrats had complained that the maps diluted minority voting strength.
Georgia's past history of discrimination at the ballot box means all election changes must pass muster with federal officials to ensure they don't weaken African-American voting power.
Democrats have pledged to challenge the boundaries in court. But Republicans say the plans increase the number of districts with a majority of black voters.
Lawmakers must redraw legislative and congressional maps every 10 years to reflect changes in population from new U.S. Census figures.
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