Opinion ID: 1984918
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Exceptions of EDWARD J. WILKES, JR., et al.

Text: 1) Division of Township of Upper Merion into two congressional districts violates Article 1, Section 2 and the First and Fourteenth Amendments, Article I, Sections 5 and 26 of the Pennsylvania Constitution since the plan fragments the Township of Upper Merion; disenfranchises voters and interferes with voters' right to free and equal elections. 2) Upper Merion division violates the First, Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, Article I, Section 5 of the Pennsylvania Constitution because it forces the Township to spend additional time and money to establish liaison for two separate representatives for 109 residents in a district separate from the remainder of the Township. 3) Upper Merion division violates the Fourteenth Amendment because it is not supported by a rational basis or related to any necessary governmental interest. 4) Impairs voters' rights in violation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments because the division results in unnecessary expense in conducting elections, financing and staffing campaigns and might lead to confusion in voting. 5) Erred by not considering the hardship the recommended plan would have on the Township.