Chicago Redistricting Approved

A federal judge today approved redistricting seven of the city’s 50 wards to significantly increase their minority population in a move that could shift the balance of power in the strife-torn City Council.

However, U.S. District Judge Charles Norgle said he will not rule until Monday on whether to hold special early elections in the redistricted wards or wait for the regularly scheduled elections in 1987. Political observers have speculated that early special elections could give Mayor Harold Washington, the city’s first black mayor, an opportunity to consolidate control of the council before he must face reelection, also in 1987.