LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette says the U.S. Justice Department has cleared the state's redistricting plans as required by the Voting Rights Act.
Michigan and 15 other states need federal approval for some or all redistricting plans.
The Republican-controlled Legislature approved the plans for redrawing U.S. House and state legislative districts, and Republican Gov. Rick Snyder signed them.
In November, Republican Schuette asked U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., to approve the plan, and the Justice Department said Jan. 12 it doesn't object.
On Dec. 8, labor and civil rights groups sued to challenge new boundaries for Detroit seats in the state House.
The suit says the new map forces black incumbents to run against each other and dilutes the political representation of Hispanics. That case continues.
