North Carolina is taking its request to delay redrawing district maps to the U.S. Supreme Court. The state is arguing that voting in next month's primary elections is already underway.

Attorneys for the State of North Carolina want the Supreme Court to step in and stop the enforcement of a lower court decision directing new congressional districts to be drawn by Feb. 19.

Legislative leaders said late Tuesday they're asking Chief Justice John Roberts to issue a stay. The request was made soon after the court that struck down the 1st and 12th Congressional District lines refused to change its original order. A three-judge panel last Friday decided the majority black districts were racial gerrymanders and can't be used anymore.

The emergency request from the state says a delay is needed because there's not enough time to redraw districts. Lawmakers argue that absentee balloting is already under way for the March 15 primary.

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