Trial over Wis. election maps entering final day

MILWAUKEE — A federal trial evaluating whether the state’s latest election maps are constitutional enters its second and final day in Milwaukee.

The three-judge panel heard Thursday from an expert witness who argued that the maps break up certain blocs of racial minorities, weakening their voting power.

The judges will hear more arguments Friday about whether the maps were drawn in compliance with legal guidelines. The presiding judge has said the case will go as late as needed, even if it goes into Saturday morning.

The trial pits the state elections board against Democrats who argue that the maps should be thrown out.

An attorney for the elections board said Thursday the maps were already passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor last year, meaning they should be presumed constitutional.