DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Supreme Court says it's ready to handle the once-a-decade redistricting process if a deadline can't be reached.
Iowa law calls for the state legislature to approve a plan to redraw legislative and congressional boundaries by September.
But the Census Bureau says the pandemic is delaying its release of population numbers that are critical in completing the process.
The Supreme Court says it'll meet its requirement to handle redistricting when the deadline passes.
In a rare statement, the court said it's publicly outlining its plan because of considerable public concern surrounding the redistricting process, and because it's aware that other state supreme courts have issued orders relating to redistricting.
The court said it generally does not comment publicly on matters that may come before it or that may be the subject of possible litigation.
State law requires redistricting to be conducted in a nonpartisan manner.