The Minnesota Legislature hasn’t successfully redrawn legislative and congressional districts on time without intervention by the courts in 140 years. This time around looks to be no different.

For the past 50 years, the courts have taken to drawing them when the Legislature reliably fails to agree to new boundaries. The courts don't do this unprompted — a private citizen must file a lawsuit to ensure Minnesota residents have equal representation in the Legislature and Congress.

Peter Wattson, a retired attorney for the Minnesota Senate, took up the mantle of suing the state this year after the 2020 census. He explains Minnesota's 140 years of redistricting failure, his idea for a better way and the problem with relying on the courts.