Federal judges in Ohio won’t delay May 3 primary — for now

By JULIE CARR SMYTH
Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A federal court panel has decided not to delay Ohio’s May 3 primary, for now. A three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio on Wednesday reserved the right to intervene if the state doesn’t ultimately resolve the redistricting chaos that’s engulfed the state due to unresolved legislative and congressional maps. During an hourslong hearing, judges asked top Ohio elections officials for help determining whether to delay the primary and floated numerous alternatives to a May 3 primary. Those included using the state’s 2010 map, imposing a third map that’s been found unconstitutional or having a special master draw brand-new maps.