The event precedes the legislative session’s committee hearing and public testimony, starting with a training breakfast with legal experts Jared Evans and Victoria Wenger from the Legal Defense Fund.

Attendees will also receive additional education from the Power Coalition and other advocates regarding the ongoing fight for fair maps and how it’s connected to community issues. The mass mobilization is designed to educate and prepare community members to use their voices during the legislative process to advocate for the change they want to see in their communities. The attendees will march over to the Capitol ahead of the committee meeting.

Commissioner Davante Lewis, a plaintiff in the case adds, “This event is about more than just maps; it’s about ensuring that every voice in our state is heard and valued. We are here to empower our community to stand up for their rights and to hold our leaders accountable.”

The journey to this point has been marked by intense legal battles. Last year’s federal appeals court hearing in Robinson v. Ardoin questioned Louisiana’s compliance with a court-ordered approach to creating a new congressional district with a predominantly Black population.

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on November 11, 2023, agreed with a lower court that the congressional map passed by the Louisiana legislature following the 2020 Census is discriminatory and likely violated the VRA. The Louisiana legislature has until the end of January to pass a map. If it fails to, the Fifth Circuit has ordered the lower court to promptly conduct a trial and adopt a remedial map that doesn’t violate the VRA.

This case, influenced by the Supreme Court’s decision in Alabama’s Allen v. Milligan, is critical for ensuring fair representation, considering Louisiana’s Black population constitutes one-third of the state’s residents. The ongoing legal challenges underscore the necessity of this redistricting effort to honor the promise of the Voting Rights Act.

Ashley K. Shelton, Founder, President & CEO of Power Coalition for Equity & Justice, highlights the significance of this moment: “This is a pivotal time for the people of Louisiana. They have persistently voiced their demand for change throughout this process. The Chief U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick’s ruling in our favor underscores the urgency of fair representation. We now stand at a crossroads where transformational change is not just possible but imperative.”

The lawsuit claims that the maps unfairly reduce the influence of Black voters in Louisiana and break the Voting Rights Act’s Section 2 by not creating a second district where Black voters are the majority. The maps concentrate Black voters from New Orleans and Baton Rouge into just one U.S. congressional district, significantly diminishing their voting impact. Although former Gov. John Bel Edwards rejected the maps, the legislature overruled the veto.

Jared Evans (LDF) confidently states, “We are on the cusp of a historic change. Black voters in Louisiana are closer than ever to having the representation they deserve. This week, we expect to see a shift towards fairness and equity in our electoral maps.”

The SCOTUS ruling in the Milligan case was a landmark decision with the high court reaffirming Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and setting up the opportunity for other states — including Louisiana — to continue their lawsuits to have new maps enacted that give Black voters equitable voting power. In Louisiana, Black voters make up at least a third of the state’s population. A second majority-Black Congressional district would better serve the people of Louisiana. NAACP LDF has been at the forefront of the more than two-year battle to attain fair maps for the people of Louisiana and Alabama as they were the lead counsel in both the Milligan and Robinson cases.

Tori Wenger (LDF) emphasizes the legal journey: “Years of litigation and advocacy have led us to this moment. The LDF is proud to represent those who have fought tirelessly for fair representation. This session is a testament to their resilience and commitment to justice.”

The special session will kick off at 4 p.m., Monday, January 15, 2024, and must adjourn no later than 6 p.m., Tuesday, January 23, 2024, in which the legislature has another opportunity to create fair maps for Louisianians.

Carlos Pollard, Jr., Power Coalition for Equity & Justice, remarks, “This is the second special session regarding redistricting, another chance for our legislature to reflect the true diversity of Louisiana. We stand united in urging our representatives to pass a fair and representative map.”

To date, more than 100 community members have signed up to attend the event. The Mass Mobilization Event represents a collective call to action for fair representation in Louisiana. It embodies the collaborative efforts of various organizations and individuals in pursuit of a just and equitable political landscape. All community members, activists, and supporters are encouraged to attend this significant event to voice their support for fair representation in Louisiana’s congressional maps.

For more info and to register, please visit bit.ly/2024RedistrictingMobilization. Food, supplies, transportation, and a small stipend will be provided.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Carlos Pollard, Jr. at cpollard@powercoalition.org or 504-906-4019.

There will also be a press conference today, January 15, 2024 at 1 p.m., on the steps of the Louisiana State Capitol, located at 900 N. Third St., Baton Rouge.

The case – Robinson v. Ardoin – has been on hold while the United States Supreme Court weighed its decision in Alabama’s Allen v. Milligan case, which was nearly identical to Louisiana’s.

In Louisiana, Black individuals constitute one-third of the entire population. This case presents an opportunity to establish two congressional districts out of the total six, where Black voters can elect representatives of their preference.

SCOTUS ruled 5-4 in the Allen v. Milligan case on June 8, 2022, that Alabama’s maps did violate Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which paved the way for Robinson v. Ardoin to proceed.

Robinson v. Ardoin was filed after the Louisiana legislature passed a congressional map in March 2022 that included just one out of six districts with a majority of Black voters. This was particularly troubling because Louisiana’s Black population has seen growth and now comprises roughly one-third of the state’s population, according to data from the 2020 Census. Louisiana has also seen a pattern of racially polarized voting that has diluted Black voting power in other Congressional districts.

After the adoption of the map, a lawsuit was filed challenging the Louisiana congressional map under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The plaintiffs in this case include the Louisiana State Conference of the NAACP, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, as well as individuals named Press Robinson, Dorothy Nairne, E. René Soulé, Alice Washington, and Clee Ernest Lowe.

The focus of Friday’s hearing revolved around an injunction issued by a federal judge, which is currently being contested by Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin and Attorney General Jeff Landry.

In 2022, U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick issued this injunction, expressing concerns that a congressional map crafted by the Republican-majority Legislature that year was likely in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

It is unclear what direction the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals will take in the case with several options being on the table.

During Friday’s proceedings, Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod, part of a three-judge panel presiding over the case at the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, floated the idea that the injunction, mandating a new congressional map for the 2024 elections, might remain in effect. Simultaneously, there could be a trial on the substantive issues of the case that could potentially lead to further adjustments to the map before the 2026 elections. However, Elrod also hinted at the possibility that the court might dismiss the 2022 injunction, instead opting for an expedited trial process, with the aim of resolving the issues well before the upcoming elections in the next year.

During the oral arguments, the state did say it did not feel that Alabama’s and Louisiana’s cases were the same.

Attorney Phillip Strach, representing Ardoin, made the case that creating a single district by connecting far-apart regions solely based on race is not acceptable. He argued that the proposed Black district, which links parts of Baton Rouge to the rural Delta area in northern Louisiana, goes against established court rules for keeping districts compact.

The Delta area is Louisiana’s equivalent to Alabama’s Black Belt, which has been deemed a community of interest by the federal courts.

Strach said that the plaintiffs were attempting to connect black populations in the Delta by using whole parishes as “white land bridges” to achieve that.

At one point Strach, responding to Judge Elrod, said that SCOTUS ruled that the Black Belt in Alabama was a community of interest not because of race, but because of its soil, and there was no argument made like in Louisiana where the court is trying to stitch together black populations to form a community of interest based on skin color.

“What they tried to do through their expert, Mr. Anthony Fairfax; well, they tried to say, well, socioeconomic factors make this a compact population,” he said. “But that’s wrong.”

Judge Southwick said that it was appropriate to focus on different factors to achieve a community of interest.

“Why is what you did right and what Chief Judge Dick did wrong?” Southwick asked.

Strach said that the district court made a legal mistake in applying the population compactness requirements under Gingles 1.

“That’s a separate question,” Southwick said. “I’m looking at what’s the right community to be looking at. Is it socioeconomic? Is it something else? And it seems to me that she made at least some findings that this was the right way that we would join the parishes that she joined that would satisfy a community of interest.”

Judge Elrod pushed Strach about what he was saying was the legal mistake made by the U.S. District Court.

Strach said that the court approved or allowed the plaintiffs to use the illustrious districts that did not contain geographically compact population to demonstrate the violation.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs argued that there are distinct characteristics and examples that connect Baton Rouge to the Delta including similar social and economic interests.

Attorney for the plaintiffs Stuart Naifeh said that Milligan was similar in that it connected the urban area of Mobile with the rural area of the Alabama Black Belt, where in Louisiana they are connecting Baton Rouge with the Delta. He said that the District Court did not address how Mobile was split.

Naifeh said the way that Baton Rouge is divided in the illustrious map is the way that it is divided in the state’s map, but they are including more of East Baton Rouge parish in the new district so they aren’t carving out just the northern part of the city.

“There is evidence that there are shared interests in the population of East Baton Rouge and the Delta in that they perform as a community of interest such that redrawing the district would provide an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice,” Naifeh said.

He said that it includes most of the Delta parishes and most of the Black population in the Delta.

Abha Khanna, an attorney with the Elias Law Group, one of the firms representing the plaintiffs, who have sued the state, argued the importance of upholding the injunction and getting the new map drawn.

“The plaintiffs should not be forced to play chicken with the election calendar,” she said.

Judges pressed the state on giving a deadline of when they need the new map, if one is granted, for it to be used in the 2024 election.

After a little bit of uncertainty, the state said by the end of May 2024.

Judge Elrod Naifeh, who represents the Robinson plaintiffs, if there was standing due to the NAACP having members across each of the districts.

He said they have plaintiffs in each of the districts that will be used to draw the new district.

She also asked Naifeh why they shouldn’t remand and have a trial before the end of the year.

“It’s far from clear that there could be trials on the merits by the end of year,” he said. “There would need to be a remedial process. This interim map we are asking for may never be used.”

The goal is to ensure that the map that is in place for the 2024 election has two majority black congressional districts.

Southwick asked Naifeh if there needed to be a trial based on what happened in Alabama saying the briefing did not say anything about a trial.

“Is this really the same issue as Alabama?” Southwick said.

Naifeh said there is one relevant difference: the court asked the state of Alabama when they needed the maps and an answer was given, but the state of Louisiana had not done that yet.

Naifeh also said the plaintiffs had not issue with the state of Louisiana redrawing a map as it is one of the state’s functions to conduct redistricting; however, the concern is that they have used it as a delay tactic to put the new maps too close to the deadline to use in the 2024 election.

Now, Louisianans will have to wait for the 5th Circuit to make a decision.

Ashley Shelton, founder of Power Coalition for Equity & Justice said that it was important that the people get all the power that belongs to them.

“With the second largest black population per capita – 33 percent – it is really important to us to make sure that with this congressional map that not only do we get two minority districts, but that we get all the power that belongs to black and other communities of color to be able to elect candidates of their choice that understand their experience and the issues and the needs of their communities,” she said.

Jared Evans, senior policy counsel for NAACP LDF, who is representing the Robinson plaintiffs said they were confident after the hearing in the case they presented.

“This is the case we have been litigating for over two years now to get my home state of Louisiana a second majority black Congressional district. The 2020 Census results showed that the black population increased and that we can draw a map with two majority black congressional districts. We came in confident (to the hearing) and are leaving confident. We built a really, really strong record. The facts are on our side, the law is on our side and the record is on our side.”

Laketa Smith, executive director of A Bella LaFemme Society, said she was feeling optimistic about the court hearing.

“The judges actually listened to both sides of the arguments, we are looking at actually having a fair map by the elections of 2024,” she said. “Our team made a really great opening arguments. It can be kind of emotional when you are doing this work and wanting to make sure that this happens. You can always tell when it’s a good day because everyone is still trickling out of the courtroom. This is a fight we have to continue.”

Lady Carlson, lead organizer for Westside Sponsoring Committee said they are hopeful the 5th Circuit will decide in their favor.

“I think the argument about not enough time is disingenuous by the state,” she said. “And so I’m hoping the judges will not fall for that. It’s very interesting that the state made the argument about Baton Rouge not being a community of interest with the Delta. People from Lake Providence move to Baton Rouge, there all kinds of relationships across the state. There are Baptist conventions that include the northern part of the state along with the southern state. They are communities of interest.”

“We’re thankful that the federal court heard our argument. We are thankful to the many people who also heard our argument and showed their support by filling the federal courtroom and even the overflow room a few weeks ago,” said Evan Milligan, lead plaintiff in Allen v. Milligan and executive director of Alabama Forward. “Prior to that hearing, we had hoped our state legislature and governor would have heard us as well. Had they listened to the Supreme Court, we could have saved our state some money and avoided this Groundhogs’s Day loop that some in our state want us to remain trapped within. Nevertheless, we know that fair maps provide a way out of this trap. And we will do every decent thing in our power to ensure that our state produces district maps that comply with the Voting Rights Act our elders fought and died to realize for us. Amen and onward.”

The decision by a three-judge panel – Circuit Judge Stanley Marcus and District Judges Terry Moorer and Anna Manasco – wasn’t a surprise as the three judges appeared skeptical of the state’s map at the August 14 hearing.

The state had been ordered to draw two majority-minority districts to give Black voters the opportunity to elect candidates of their choice to represent them in Congress after both the same federal court and the United States Supreme Court agreed the 2021 map violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

“Twice, Alabama lawmakers have been asked to draw fair congressional districts that give Black Alabamians the opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice,” said JaTaune Bosby-Gilchrist, executive director of ACLU Alabama. “ And twice, a panel of federal judges have found that Alabama lawmakers failed to do so. Elected officials ignored their responsibilities and chose to violate our democracy. We hope the court’s special master helps steward a process that ensures a fair map that Black Alabamians and our state deserve.”

The 2023 map in question created Congressional District 7 with just under 50.65 percent black voting age population. The 2021 map that passed had a BVAP of 55 percent in District 7. The state’s map also includes Congressional District 2, which has a BVAP of just under 40 percent – an increase from 30 percent in the 2021 map.

The judges ruled on the case today, Sept. 5, saying the state’s attempt at the map likely did not fix the VRA Section 2 violation. The court ordered the special master to present three map plans that will remedy the Section 2 violation by Sept. 25, 2023.

Dr. Adia Winfrey, executive director of Transform Alabama said the court’s decision was the only logical next step.

“Like in centuries past, equal justice for Black Alabamians has to be decided by the judicial branch of government,” she said. “And while the special master works out the details of the Congressional maps, Transform Alabama is harnessing this moment to show the power of the vote. There are thousands of Black Alabamians who believe their vote has no power, and they stay home on Election Day. Transform Alabama is using Hip Hop culture and Alabama’s redistricting process to change this thinking. We are encouraged by today’s decision.”

The court’s order gives specific mandates on the data, configuration and other components needed for the remedial plans.

The court specifically said each plan should “completely remedy the likely Section 2 violation identified in this Court’s order of September 5, 2023. Each map shall remediate the essential problem found in the 2023 Plan – the unlawful dilution of the Black vote in Alabama’s congressional redistricting regime. To that end, each proposed map shall “include either an additional majority-Black congressional district, or an additional district in which Black voters otherwise have an opportunity to elect a representative of their choice.”

The court said the new plan should also comply with the United States Constitution and the Voting Rights Act as well as the “One Person, One Vote” principle of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

The judges also said that the special master is allowed to consider the plans that were submitted by the Milligan and Caster plaintiffs as well as the Singleton plaintiffs.

“We agree with the U.S. District Court that the Alabama Legislature’s proposed 2023 map ‘plainly fails’ to follow the law and the very clear court orders on how to address Alabama’s violation of the Voting Rights Act,” said Jess Unger, senior staff attorney for voting rights at the Southern Poverty Law Center. “In doing so, the Alabama Legislature has acted brazenly and wasted Alabamians’ time in the ensuing months since the June Supreme Court decision. All Alabama voters deserve better, and we are hopeful that the forthcoming map by the court-appointed Special Master will permit ‘Black Alabamians, like everyone else, a fair and reasonable opportunity to elect candidates of their choice,’ as the court required.”

It is also important to note that the cost of the special master is to be paid for by the state of Alabama, thus costing Alabamians more money.

The decision from the court gives hope to organizers who have been on the ground working tirelessly to ensure that Black voters are seen and heard.

“Know that we are not excited about a victory that we have already won,” said Ronald James Jr., Alabama regional organizer of Black Voters Matter. “We are optimistic about the power that Black people will have now to elect representation that speaks to the new Congressional districts demographics. We are even more elated for the opportunity to continue building power in the Black and brown communities in this district and turnout the Black vote.”

Angela Curry, executive director of United Women of Color, agreed that organizers will continue their fight for fair maps and adequate representation.

“Alabama legislators who refuse to draw fair districts are showing us who they really are. Sixty years removed from the March on Washington D.C., where Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech was delivered, Black Alabamians are still being denied the right to vote,” Curry said. “The state’s refusal to draw two Black districts as instructed by the Supreme Court demonstrates their disrespect for the law. It shows a lack of respect and a lack of regard for Black voters. The upholding of the law by the federal courts demonstrates our votes do count; our votes matter. We will continue to show up and collectively raise our voices to protect our right to vote and for representation in this state and nation that we have given so much to build and sustain.”

Cara McClure, founder of Faith & Works, said the ruling affirms the strength of the collective movement.

“Today’s federal court decision striking down Alabama’s second failed attempt at diluting Black voting power is a resounding victory for justice and democracy,” she said. “It reaffirms the strength of our collective determination to protect and preserve the fundamental right to vote, a right that has been hard-fought and hard-won. With the appointment of a special master to draw a new map that remedies the state’s Section 2 violation, we stand on the precipice of a brighter, more equitable future. Let this moment be a testament to the power of unity, resilience, and our unwavering commitment to building a fairer Alabama for all.”

Organizers also celebrated the collective effort it took to fight for fair and equitable maps in Alabama and how it the collective fight is not over.

“The court’s decision to strike down the state’s unfair and discriminatory congressional map for the second time underscores the urgency and necessity for organizers, advocates, and community members to continue to demand fair and equitable representation,” said Anneshia Hardy, executive director of Alabama Values. “While we share in the collective relief and hope that springs from this ruling, our focus remains on the journey ahead. The fight for fair representation is far from over, and Alabama Values remains diligent in ensuring that the redrawing process is transparent, inclusive, and truly reflective of our state’s diverse population. We deeply appreciate the ongoing support and engagement from Alabamians across the state, and we will continue to champion the cause for fair maps. This isn’t just about lines on a map; it’s about the rights, voices, and futures of Alabamians.

A hearing on the map plans that will be created by the special master has been set for Oct. 3, 2023 at the Hugo L. Black United States Courthouse in Birmingham.

BIRMINGHAM AL – The battle over Jefferson County’s 2021 redistricting maps heads to court this week with plaintiffs arguing the map violates the Voting Rights Act and the Constitution.

The case, McClure v. Jefferson County Commission, claims Black voters were racially gerrymandered and unfairly packed into two districts, diluting their influence in others.

Zephyr Scalzetti, program specialist for Alabama Values, a nonprofit advocacy group focused on promoting civic engagement, pro-democracy policies and fair representation on issues such as voting rights and redistricting, said the case is about more than lines on a map; it is about ensuring every voter has an equal voice.

“You look at the map overall. Jefferson County residents are willing to elect Black representatives but it is impossible for a Black candidate to win in these three white districts,” Scalzetti contended. “The plaintiffs are alleging that this is because those two supermajority Black districts are so packed with Black voters it is diluting their voice.”

Jefferson County’s five-district system was established in 1985. However, the lawsuit alleges that the 2021 maps are racially gerrymandered and haven’t changed much since then. Districts 1 and 2 are still supermajority Black while Districts 3, 4 and 5 remain majority white, limiting influence despite the population of Black residents growing.

Scalzetti noted the case raises significant concerns about transparency in the redistricting process. The lawsuit alleges the commission failed to conduct analyses required by the Voting Rights Act, such as a racially polarized voting study. It also points to limited public input, with key meetings held during work hours and proposed maps only viewable in person at the commission’s office.

Scalzetti emphasized the case highlights the importance of local redistricting in shaping representation and ensuring residents have a voice in decisions affecting their daily lives.

“Ultimately, this is about power,” Scalzetti asserted. “This is about the power of a community, the power of an individual voter and a group of people to actually affect what is happening in their community.”

The trial started on Monday, January 13 and is taking place in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. It is expected to draw comparison to the landmark Supreme Court case Allen v. Milligan. Scalzetti added the case could have far-reaching impacts on redistricting, not only in other counties across Alabama but throughout the South.

Disclosure: Alabama Values Progress contributes to our fund for reporting on Civic Engagement, LGBTQIA+ Issues, Reproductive Health, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.

Shomari Figures, a Mobile native who grew up in a Civil Rights-focused household that included two parents involved in politics, has made history by winning Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. The attorney, has previously served as a Domestic Director in the Obama administration, White House liaison to then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Legislative Council for U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, and Deputy Chief of Staff for then-Attorney General Merrick Garland. The accomplishments continued on Election Tuesday as Figures, a married father of three, defeated Republican candidate Caroleene Dobson in the 2024 General Election after winning the Democratic Party primary in April.

“For the past three years, voting rights and civic engagement organizations, grassroots organizers, and everyday Alabamians have worked together in the fight to ensure that all communities across our state are fairly represented by our government. The landmark SCOTUS decision in the Allen v Milligan redistricting case last year created a new congressional district map that many in our network considered a once in a generation opportunity for marginalized voices across central and south Alabama to finally be heard,” shared Alabama Forward Executive Director Deanna Fowler, “Strong voter turnout in the new district today is a shining example of what can happen when communities come together and all Alabamians believe their vote truly matters. The Alabama Forward network looks forward to continuing to work with our communities to push for even more progress in our state, so that all voices are heard, every vote counts, and each Alabamian has the freedoms and resources they need to live a fulfilling life.”

The 2nd Congressional District victory holds even more significance as it came after the Allen v. Milligan decision. This 2023 Supreme Court ruling determined Alabama must create a second House district that is majority Black or close to a minority-majority percentage. District 2 now covers the width of South Alabama from Choctaw to Russell county and includes the city of Mobile. The Black population in this district is 48.7%, which puts it alongside District 7 as the state’s only other majority-Black voting block. Figures joins Terri Sewell as Alabama’s lone Black and Democratic members of the House of Representatives, and will be the 6th Black member ever to represent the state of Alabama.

Figures’ victory had a large historical context, but for the people of District 2 it also felt deeply personal. “Seeing this victory is truly powerful and meaningful, not only because of the win itself, but because it affirms that all the hard work, resilience, and dedication poured into this fight for fair representation as a Black Alabamian has truly paid off. The determination and commitment to justice from the plaintiff and those who litigated Allen v. Milligan has set a new precedent for representation in Alabama,” shared Stand Up Mobile Board Member and a plaintiff in Allen v. Milligan Shalela Dowdy, “This win means that, at least for the next two years, we will finally have the representation we need and deserve. We have someone who genuinely reflects the interests and needs of our community.”

The election victory isn’t just a significant moment in the state of Alabama. It has a huge impact on the national political scene as well, as every seat counts in a narrowly divided United States House of Representatives. The change from a single Democratic representative from the state to two reduces the amount of seats that the DNC has to flip in other states to hold a majority of the House.

“Shomari Figures’ win in District 2 is a powerful moment for Alabama. This victory shows what happens when the people’s voices are finally centered, when fair maps give communities the power to choose leaders who stand for them,” emphasized Anneshia Hardy, Executive Director of Alabama Values, “It’s proof that when we unite and demand our rightful representation, we shift the future. Let this be a call to keep pushing, because this win is only the beginning of what’s possible when we lead with our collective power.”

While the election provided a clear winner in the new Congressional District, Alabama lawmakers are returning to court on February 10, 2025 in an attempt to get their already-rejected districting maps approved. Milligan v. Allen was seen by the Supreme Court in 2023 when the court kept an injunction in place that required the state to create a second majority-minority district. If the court were to reverse their decision or allow a pathway for a different map, it would create additional uncertainty in the next election cycle.

While there is still another decision on the horizon, last night’s election outcome shows what happens when fair maps are drawn and Alabamians get to select someone who represents their interests.

Black Louisiana voters and civil rights advocates rally in March at the Supreme Court, which is hearing a case over the state’s congressional map. | Getty Images for Legal Defense Fund

On October 15, Louisiana stands before the SCOTUS for a reargument of Louisiana v. Callais. We were here, in March 2025, but this time the stakes are higher than ever. The decision will have impacts that extend beyond Louisiana.

Upon first argument Louisiana chose to defend the constitutionality of its redrawn map, but on reargument, it has decided to take the broad position in a supplemental brief filed on August 27, 2025, that all “race-based redistricting is unconstitutional,” according to the Brennan Center For Justice. This shift points towards a broader judicial trend: Justice Clarence Thomas’s stance that race should not be used in redistricting—a position that challenges the very existence of the Voting Rights Act, especially Section 2.

In a recent article, the Brennan Center For Justice stated,“In conjunction with the reargument, the Court asked the parties to brief a different question: Whether creation of a majority-minority district as a remedy for vote dilution found by a court under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act violates either the 14th or 15th Amendments.”

Why does this matter? As the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice explains, “Section 2 of the [Voting Rights Act] VRA is at stake. It was designed to stop vote dilution and ensure communities of color can elect representatives of their choice. Weakening it would strip away one of the last remaining protections of the VRA.”

According to the Legal Defense Fund (LDF), “Inclusive representation is foundational to a healthy democracy. It ensures that all communities, regardless of race, have a seat at the table for policy decision-making.”

The silencing of Black political voices is something we’ve seen time and time again— In a past article the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center explained how, “Black people in America have resisted oppression in systemic, institutional, interpersonal and intrapersonal forms for centuries.”

This fight is about more than lines on a map— it is about whether Black communities have the right to be seen, heard, and equally represented.

Alabama could be directly impacted following the outcome of the October 15 re-hearing. In a past article, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) stated, “On June 8, 2023…In a historic win for voting rights, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Allen v. Milligan in favor of Black voters, affirming the district court’s order striking down Alabama’s 2021-enacted congressional map for violating the Voting Rights Act of 1965 for diluting Black political power, and requiring that Alabama redraw its congressional map.”

Adding from a past article the Legal Defense Fund said, “Allen v. Milligan is the most important redistricting case to come before the Supreme Court in recent history. The court’s decision is a historic win in the fight for voting rights in the face of countless continued attacks on democracy.”

What is decided in Louisiana v. Callais could undo the historic win made in Allen v. Milligan. If the Supreme Court rules that race is no longer considered a contributing factor in redistricting, it could reverse the reasoning that aided the win for Black voters in Milligan.

A decision against Black voters in Louisiana does not stay in Louisiana; it holds the potential to gut Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act which will erase decades of hard-fought protections.

The time to act is now: Raise your voice, stay informed, and stand strong for the protections that ensure every vote is heard.

Listen to the oral re-arguments of Supreme Court case Louisiana v. Callais on October 15:

• Listen to the rearguments here.

• Gather with the community around you to listen and discuss. Here is a discussion guide to direct meaningful conversation.

Learn more about Louisiana v. Callais:

• Legal Defense Fund (LDF):

• https://www.naacpldf.org/case-issue/louisiana-v-callais-faq/

• @naacp_ldf

Learn more about the organizations on the frontlines for the fight for fair maps:

• Power Coalition for Equity and Justice:

• https://powercoalition.org/

• @powercoej

• Legal Defense Fund:

• https://www.naacpldf.org/

• @naacp_ldf

• We Draw The Lines Louisiana:

• https://wedrawthelinesla.org/

• @powercoej

• Brennan Center For Justice:

• https://www.brennancenter.org/

• @brennancenter

A recent court ruling in Alabama declared the 2023 Congressional map unconstitutional due to discriminatory intent, resulting in the election of two black Congress members. Alabama is appealing this decision to the Supreme Court and has proposed a pause on redistricting until 2030. The situation highlights the importance of fair maps for marginalized communities and draws parallels with similar challenges in Louisiana, emphasizing the need for advocacy and community organization.

Join Jazmin Watson as she gives you the 411 on all things redistricting!

On this episode of They Better Get These Lines Right, Jazmin breaks down the ACS and it’s connection to redistricting and how it impacts you! Redistricting influences how communities are represented and how resources are allocated. The American Community Survey (ACS) provides essential data on social and economic characteristics, impacting funding for services like healthcare and education. Community participation in the ACS is vital for accurate data collection, which affects congressional district forecasts and representation. Proper mapping through redistricting is crucial for addressing voting rights and education equality.

We’re kicking off Season 2 with the facts, data, and receipts (heavy on receipts) on what went down to get a fair Congressional map in Alabama for the November 5th election. Buckle up, because this story has more sharp turns than Malfunction Junction on a Sunday morning!

Tune in to They Better Get These Lines Right as Zephyr Scalzetti keeps you up to date with what’s going on around Redistricting and so much more across the South!

This week on, They Better Get These Lines Right, hosted by Zephyr Scalzetti, he’ll be breaking down where we’re at in the fight to get fair maps for Alabama.

Alabama’s getting new a Congressional map and that means public hearings, a special session, and more! With a deadline of July 21st, it’s more important than ever to get up to speed on what’s going on and how you can get involved.

Tune in next time to They Better Get These Lines Right to stay connected and informed. The way the maps are drawn has an impact on so many issues that we care about such as voting rights, healthcare, criminal justice, reproductive justice, and education equality.

Until next time, They Better Get These Lines Right!

This week on, They Better Get These Lines Right, hosted by Zephyr Scalzetti, he’ll be diving into gerrymandering. You’ve probably heard the term gerrymandering before, but what exactly is gerrymandering? Keep watching to find out.

Tune in next time to They Better Get These Lines Right to stay connected and informed. The way the maps are drawn has an impact on so many issues that we care about such as voting rights, healthcare, criminal justice, reproductive justice, and education equality.

Until next time, They Better Get These Lines Right!

On today’s episode, Zephyr Scalzetti will be diving into several ongoing Supreme Court cases that could radically shift the landscape of voting rights. All of these cases originate in the South, but the results of these decisions will impact the entire nation. Like we say ya’ll, As goes the South, so goes the Nation.

Tune in next time to They Better Get These Lines Right to stay connected and informed. The way the maps are drawn has an impact on so many issues that we care about such as voting rights, healthcare, criminal justice, reproductive justice, and education equality. Until next time, They Better Get These Lines Right!

Tune in this week on, They Better Get These Lines Right, as Zephyr Scalzetti will be giving you the inside scoop on what you need to know about the Census such as how we’re counted, challenges to being counted, and connecting the count to community resources.

Tune in next time to They Better Get These Lines Right to stay connected and informed. The way the maps are drawn has an impact on so many issues that we care about such as voting rights, healthcare, criminal justice, reproductive justice, and education equality. Until next time, They Better Get These Lines Right!

Tune in as Zephyr Scalzetti keeps you up to date with what’s going on around the Supreme Court Redistricting cases across the South. Tune in next time to They Better Get These Lines Right to stay connected and informed.

The way the maps are drawn has an impact on so many issues that we care about such as voting rights, healthcare, criminal justice, reproductive justice, and education equality. Until next time, They Better Get These Lines Right!

Allen v Milligan Ruling Response – Shalela Dowdy from AV/AVP TV on Vimeo.

Advocates and organizers from across Alabama encouraged Alabama’s Reapportionment Committee to redraw maps that give voice to the state’s Black and Brown communities and create more equitable Black voting power on Tuesday.

Tuesday’s meeting was Alabama’s first reapportionment committee convening and public hearing in the state legislature’s court-ordered second attempt to draw fair maps that include two black majority Congressional districts.

On June 8, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of Alabamians who sued the state legislature for violating Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act by packing black voters into Congressional District 7 and cracking the remaining black voters across Alabama’s other six congressional districts.

The 2020 Census showed that the white Alabama population was declining and that black Alabamians now represent about 27 percent of Alabamians, but the Congressional maps passed by the Alabama Legislature in November 2021 only created one black majority Congressional district, which reflects only 14 percent of the Congressional representation in the state.

The Alabama Legislature has until July 21 to submit maps that create two majority-minority districts to the three-judge panel. During Tuesday’s meeting, Sen. Vivian Figures said she felt there should be a committee member from the minority party elected as co-chair of the reapportionment committee. She nominated Rep. Chris England, while Rep. Steve Clouse nominated Rep. Chris Pringle.

Pringle won the vote 14-7.

Next, Rep. Laura Hall nominated Sen. Bobby Singleton and Sen. Steve Livingston was also nominated.

Livingston won the vote 14-7.

Pringle announced that July 7, 2023, at 5 p.m., is the deadline to submit plans. Those plans must be submitted to district@alsenate.gov.

Pringle said they have already had 100 plans submitted with them being submitted as far away as France.

The reapportionment committee will vote on the redistricting guidelines, which are the same that were passed in May 2021, on July 13.

“We aren’t hiding anything,” Pringle said. “These are existing guidelines.”

England asked for procedural guidelines and said that it would make sense that they change the guidelines since the original guidelines landed the state legislature in court.

Pringle said that if legislators have any changes they will submit them to the lawyer.

The Reapportionment Committee hired Dorman Walker once again to be the attorney/consultant in redistricting. Walker has served in this capacity during the last few redistricting cycles all of which have landed the state in court and having to draw remedial plans.

At the beginning of the public hearing, Walker entered a letter submitted by the Milligan and Caster plaintiffs into the record outlining the map supported by the plaintiffs.

Rep. England said that the plaintiffs in the case that got the legislature to redrawing were the Milligan and Caster plaintiffs, not the Singleton case.

Pringle said that no one from the plaintiffs were there.

Letetia Jackson, a plaintiff, let Pringle know that some of the plaintiffs were in the room.

Sen. Rodger Smitherman said that this process is totally independent from the case and that they are in a remedy phase.

The Plaintiffs in the case spoke first after being invited to speak, but did not sign-up to speak. Pringle allowed the plaintiffs to speak for five minutes each.

Evan Milligan, executive director of Alabama Forward and lead plaintiff in Allen v. Milligan, said that their case was the one the Supreme Court ruled on in terms of hearing their argument in terms of the opportunity districts in Alabama.

“Without opportunity districts for Black voters in Alabama, you wouldn’t have black voters in Alabama having the ability to elect candidates of their choice,” he said.

Milligan said the plaintiffs’ remedial plan keeps together the 18 counties that are the core of the Alabama Black Belt. Those counties are either in District 2 or District 7 of the proposed maps.

Milligan said that the plan addresses the packing and cracking that the Congressional map that was passed in 2021 had. Additionally, the map maintained the top portion of the map passed by the legislature in 2021.

“We strongly urge you to consider our remedial map,” Milligan said.

Benard Simelton, president of the Alabama State Conference of NAACP, said they are there to express their full support of the plaintiff’s map.

“It has the full support of all of the plaintiffs,” he said. “The map meets the standards set out by the Supreme Court to redraw the maps.”

Simelton said that SCOTUS recognizes that black voters should have the ability to elect a candidate of their choice to represent them in Congress.

Next, Jackson read into the record a letter submitted on behalf of the Milligan and Caster plaintiffs.

“The VRA Plaintiffs’ Remedial Plan carefully adheres to the decisions of both the United States Supreme Court and the federal district court. The VRA Plan contains two districts that “perform” consistently for Black voters in primary and general elections. 6 It also remedies the cracking of the Black Belt community of interest, identified by the courts, by keeping the eighteen “core” Black Belt counties together within these two remedial districts, does not split Montgomery County or any other core Black Belt county, has zero population deviation, splits only seven counties and only ten precincts, 7 and is otherwise “guided by the legislative policies underlying [HB1] to the extent those policies do not lead to violations of the Constitution or the Voting Rights Act.”8 For instance, Districts 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 largely maintain the “cores” of those districts as drawn by the Legislature in HB1, and Districts 1 and 2 reflect modest changes necessary to bring Alabama into compliance with the VRA.,” the letter reads. “Indeed, the overall “core retention” percentage of the VRA Plaintiffs’ Remedial Plan is over 80%. In further deference to the Legislature’s past policy choices, the VRA Plan splits Jefferson County in essentially the same manner as HB1 and it splits Mobile County similar to the way in which the Legislature did so in its enacted 2021 State Board of Education plan.”

Trey Bruce of Birmingham, said that Alabama’s map never made sense to him given the makeup of Black Alabamians.

“I have had a chance to review the letter and plan that the Milligan plaintiffs have submitted,” he said. “It makes sense to me. This will also keep protection for all of our Black Belt counties.”

Travis Jackson of Montgomery, who is an Iraq veteran, and said he fought for the rights of all Americans.

“Black voters have always been the major factor for a much brighter democracy,” he said. “This is a proven fact throughout our American history. When it pertains to repairing human or civil rights (voting, healthcare, education, employment, housing and hunger advocacy), black voters were and have continued to become the political superheroes within our economy.”

Dr. Adia Winfrey, executive director of Transform Alabama, said that her organization helped mobilize folks to public hearings in 2021.

“So we have been watching this case closely,” she said. “My concern is that we are less than three weeks out. We are already seeing how the plaintiffs are making a difference outside of Alabama. I implore you to put your politics aside and put the people of Alabama in the forefront.”

Ronald James Jr. of Black Voters Matter said that numbers don’t lie. If we don’t know our history, it will tend to repeat itself.

Alabama has a history of ignoring federal mandates, James said.

“Make the maps equal and fair. The maps represented by the plaintiffs – the people of Alabama – we are not begging for anything, we are just asking for a fair shot,” James said. Don’t split us up, keep us together. When we all vote, we all win. Do what’s right and let’s push Alabama forward.”

Dr. Joe L. Reed, of the Alabama Democratic Party said he wanted to commend the plaintiffs.

“I have been privileged for the last 45-50 years for participating in reapportionment plans,” he said. “By and large we have been successful.”

Reed said that it’s important to protect one person, one vote.

“My goal is to get two majority, black safe districts,” he said. “I’m asking the legislature to pass two majority, black safe districts.”

Reed said that in some of the maps presented they forgot to count the prisoners, many of whom can’t vote.

Reed said he doesn’t believe that there is a safe majority district in District 2. He committed to the Alabama Democrats submitting a plan that would create a safe black district.

“You got to be real and have a reality check,” he said.

Attorney Jim Blacksher spoke about the map that the Singleton plaintiffs are supporting.

Blacksher said the plan said that all of the Black Belt counties are in one district minus Barbour County and Jefferson County is a single district.

Blacksher said that Jefferson County is the one county that has demonstrated crossover voting to elect candidates supported by Black voters.

England asked Blacksher if he agreed with the maps from Milligan and Caster plaintiffs.

Blacksher said he does not think the map would satisfy strict scrutiny because Mobile County and others split along racial lines.

“So, you do not agree with the map from the Milligan and Caster plaintiffs?” England asked.

Blacksher said that the maps from the plaintiffs splits counties along racial lines to achieve a racial target of 50 percent-plus one.

England said that Tuscaloosa County is split in the Singleton map.

Blackshear said that it was OK if they split it for zero deviation as long as it wasn’t split along racial lines.

England said that splitting counties is allowed when it’s necessary to create zero deviation in order to achieve the objectives set forth in the Voting Rights Act.

Mike Bone from Baldwin County said he is in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and said it has been a united community for centuries.

Rodreshia Russaw, executive director of The Ordinary People Society, said she was at the meeting to support the Milligan plan.

She spoke about the fact that there are thousands of prisoners who are eligible to vote, but they are voting where the prison is rather than where inmates are from, which contributes to prison gerrymandering.

David Russell of Birmingham spoke about having minority representation on the panel. He said that it appears that the public would see that even if you have two black districts you still have two white chairs.

JaiGregory Clarke of Faith In Action Alabama discussed the historical injustices and systemic barriers that have hindered their ability to participate in our democratic process.

Clarke encouraged the committee to draw maps that ensure that Black and Brown communities that do not dilute voting power.

“By respecting the geographic, cultural and socio-economic boundaries of our communities, we can allow for cohesive representation that truly reflects their interests and needs,” he said. “Second, majority-minority districts must be established to empower our communities to elect representatives who understand our unique experiences and concerns. Transparency and public participation are paramount.”

On the heels of a major redistricting win in Alabama, passage of new maps in Georgia, and a Tennessee Supreme Court ruling, the fight for fair maps across the South in 2023 has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride. While there have been some triumphant victories, redistricting advocates are now seeing an influx of new strategies being used to thwart redistricting wins despite SCOTUS upholding Section 2 of the VRA.

Lawyers, advocates and organizers will come together to provide crucial updates on the evolving landscape of the wins and challenges facing the South on Dec. 18 at 6 p.m.

Participants will hear updates from Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee during “The South’s Got Something to Say: Inside the South’s fights for fair maps x equitable representation.”

The briefing is part of Alabama Values’ initiative Democracy Under Attack, which aims to educate, engage and mobilize communities around community issues and solutions.

For the past few months, there have been many developments in the ongoing fights for fair maps across the South, which are vital heading into 2024 with major elections taking place across the country and could impact the current power in Congress. Advocates have seen an enormous amount of pushback from elected officials who are struggling to maintain power in the South, seeing an increasingly diverse population with new tactics specifically in regards to federal court rulings, which have taken away the power of the people in some areas of the country.

Participants will hear from a panel of experts who have been on the ground about what’s going on in each state and how these new trends could impact voting power and the ability to challenge unfair maps in the future. They will also learn how they can tap into the continued fight for fair maps.

Among the topics to be discussed:

• The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals decision on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and how this case could destroy the VRA;

• How Alabama’s win has impacted other cases and strategies across the South;

• Now that Alabama has a second majority-minority district, what’s the path ahead?

• Updates on Robinson v. Ardoin;

• Discussion on Georgia’s new maps that were recently passed;

• Information on South Carolina’s case as they wait for SCOTUS to rule;

• A deep dive into the Tennessee Supreme Court ruling; and

• Updates from more cases across the Deep South.

Sarah Ovaska, senior communications specialist at SOLVE, will moderate the event.

“We need to sound the alarm to everyone in the South about this dangerous and radical attempt to weaken the Voting Rights Act and take away the ability of Black voters, voters of color and civil rights groups to use the courts to stop voter suppression,” Ovaska said.

Speakers will include:

• Noor Taj, senior counsel for the voting rights program, Southern Coalition for Social Justice:

“We are facing yet another anti-democratic attempt to dismantle the landmark Voting Rights Act working its way through the courts,” said Taj. “We need to speak up now, so that voters, and especially voters of color, will be able to have their freedom to vote protected from racist and discriminatory voter suppression tactics.”

• Charles Mann, field director for South Carolina Counts:

“South Carolina’s legislators had no problem stamping on the voting rights of Black voters in order to give their political party a boost,” Mann said. “ But it’s not just here — this same playbook of manipulating voting maps at the expense of Black voters is used across the South and will keep on being used unless we all come together and demand our rights are protected.”

• Kathryn Sadasivan, assistant counsel at LDF:

“Court cases like Milligan and Robinson demonstrate the role that federal courts can play in shaping a narrative of our democracy that recognizes the rights and contributions, as well as systemic oppression, of Black people in many southern states,” Sadasivan said. “These cases also underscore the importance of access to the courts for Black plaintiffs to vindicate their rights under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and actualize the promises of the Constitution.”

• Zephyr Scalzetti, senior digital organizer at Alabama Values:

“We are currently experiencing a new wave of attacks on the voting power and representation of marginalized communities in the South,” he said. “Black Alabmaians’ win in Allen v. Milligan began a new chapter in the fight for fair maps, with marginalized voters in numerous states including Louisiana, Georgia and Mississippi pursuing fair maps in court. With every win toward a more equitable future, especially in the South, it is an unfortunate reality that we are also seeing a resurgence of anti-democratic tactics designed to undermine the Voting Rights Act further and prevent a win like Milligan from happening again”

• Cindy Battles, policy & engagement director for Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda:

“As we see politicians using gerrymandering to maintain power, we also see how it pushes politics to extremes while not serving the people,” Battles said. “ It’s important that voters understand what is happening, why it is happening, and how we can create a more equitable, fair democracy where voters’ voices can be heard.”

• Timothy Hughes, SCSJ CROWD Fellow with Civic TN:

“Fundamental to our belief in the idea of representative democracy is a belief in fairness. Fairly drawn maps are key to that,” he said. “One person; one vote. Count every vote. Same rules for everyone. In the end, fair maps allow the people to choose the politicians — not the other way around.”

Anneshia Hardy, executive director of Alabama Values, emphasizes the importance of this event, noting, “We’re at a crucial juncture for democracy, facing direct attacks on voting rights, from redistricting battles to voter suppression across the South. This event is vital to unite our voices and strategies. Alabama Values is committed to educating and mobilizing the public through media and culture. Our goal is clear: to ensure every voice is heard and every vote counts in this challenging time.”

Register for the event at tinyurl.com/DemocracyUnderAttack2023. The event will also be streamed live on Youtube and Facebook Live.

When people hear the word “redistricting,” they often think of congressional maps, court cases, and big headlines. But while those national conversations grab attention, local redistricting is happening quietly in communities across Alabama—and its impact on daily life is just as important.

What is Local Redistricting?

Local redistricting is the process of redrawing district lines for city councils, school boards, county commissions, and other local governing bodies. It usually happens after the census every 10 years, but adjustments can occur in between when there are population shifts.

These lines determine:

• Which schools your children attend

• Who represents you on your city council

• How resources are distributed in your community

When these lines are drawn unfairly, it can diminish the voices of certain communities, especially Black, Latinx, and rural populations.

Why Local Redistricting Matters

You might not feel the effects of congressional decisions daily, but local decisions shape your everyday experiences:

• Education: School board district lines influence funding, school zoning, and education policies. An unfair map can lead to underfunded schools in certain neighborhoods.

• Infrastructure: County commissioners decide which neighborhoods get road repairs, public transit routes, and park improvements. If maps dilute certain communities’ power, those areas might see fewer improvements.

• Public Safety & Healthcare: Local representatives have a say in police budgets, fire departments, and community health services.

Simply put: Local maps shape the quality of life in Alabama’s communities.

The Problem with Gerrymandering at the Local Level

Gerrymandering happens when district lines are drawn to favor one group over another, limiting fair representation. While it’s often discussed at the state or federal level, gerrymandering can be even more harmful locally.

For example, by splitting a predominantly Black neighborhood across multiple districts, the community’s collective voting power is reduced. This makes it harder for them to elect leaders who will advocate for their needs.

What’s Happening Right Now in Alabama?

Currently, Alabama is at a critical point in the redistricting fight as several cities and counties are reviewing or adjusting local district maps. These changes will affect elections, representation, and resource allocation through 2030.

Two major court cases, Milligan v. Merrill and Caster v, Merrill, are being heard in federal court. These cases focus on whether Alabama will retain the newly drawn congressional district created after a Supreme Court ruling that found the previous map diluted Black voting power.

The new district offers Black voters a real opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice, representing a significant step toward fairer representation. In fact, because of this newly drawn district, Alabama witnessed a historic moment when Shamori Figures was elected to Congress. This victory marks the first time a Black candidate has represented this district, signaling a major milestone in Alabama’s journey toward equitable representation. (Read more about Shamori Figure’s historic win here.)

However, the state’s ongoing legal challenges threaten to reverse these gains. The outcome of these cases will not only determine Alabama’s congressional map for the next decade but also set a precedent for voting rights and representation across the South.

How You Can Get Involved

You don’t have to be a policy expert to participate in local redistricting. Here’s how you can make a difference:

1. Stay Informed:
   

   • Check your city and county websites for updates on redistricting.

   • Follow our Instagram and YouTube pages for updates

   • Follow other local organizations like Alabama Forward and Southern Poverty Law Center, which often provide redistricting updates.

2. Attend Public Hearings:
   

   • Most redistricting processes include public comment periods. Show up, ask questions, and share your perspective.

   • Bring neighbors, friends, and family—a larger presence sends a message that the community is paying attention.

3. Review Proposed Maps:
   

   • Maps are often shared online before approval. Review them to see how your neighborhood is affected.

   • Don’t hesitate to ask local officials to explain how maps were drawn and why.

4. Submit Feedback:
   

   • Provide written comments or testify at hearings. Share how proposed maps could impact your community’s access to resources.

5. Partner with Advocacy Groups:
   

   • Organizations often have experts who can break down complicated maps and explain how changes could impact voting power.

Why Early Engagement Matters

Once maps are approved, they’re often locked in for years. Now is the time to get involved—before the 2026 elections, which will include local races shaped by these districts.

Local redistricting may not get the national headlines, but it affects how power and resources are shared in your community every single day. By staying engaged and advocating for fair maps, Alabamians can ensure their voices are heard—not just in federal elections, but in the decisions that impact their daily lives.

Your community. Your voice. Your power. Get involved today.

Yesterday, a federal court made its latest ruling in Allen v. Milligan, the case that changed Alabama’s congressional map to give Black voters a fairer shot at representation.

The judges said Alabama will keep using the fairer, court-ordered map for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections. They will also keep an eye on the state until new maps are drawn after the 2030 Census.

The court did not put Alabama back under “preclearance” — a rule that, before 2013, forced certain states to get federal approval before changing voting maps or laws. Preclearance was one of the strongest protections against voter discrimination, but the Supreme Court ended it for Alabama and other states in Shelby County v. Holder.

The plaintiffs in this case wanted to bring preclearance back for congressional maps until after the 2030 Census. They argued it would prevent Alabama from trying to weaken voting rights in the future. The court said no for now, but made it clear they could revisit the idea of the state backtracks.

Why does that matter? Without preclearance, bad maps or voting changes can go into effect and stay in place for years while lawsuits play out. That’s exactly what happened after Alabama passed its 2023 congressional map, which the court later ruled was discriminatory.

The good news is that, because of this case, voters now have two districts where Black Alabamians have a real chance to elect leaders who represent their communities. That’s a big step toward fairer elections.

And this decision is part of a larger fight for fair representation across the South. Louisiana is next up at the U.S. Supreme Court, and other states are still dealing with unfair maps. These cases are connected — they’re about whether every voter’s voice counts equally, no matter where they live or what they look like.For now, Alabama’s fairer map will stay in place for the next three elections. The court will be watching. And so will we. At Alabama Values, we know our democracy works best when every voter has an equal say. That means staying alert, speaking up, and pushing for stronger protections to make sure no one’s voice is silenced.

Last week, Alabama Values and the Southern Leadership for Voter Engagement (SOLVE) Network hosted As Goes the South, So Goes Democracy, a powerful conversation on why redistricting matters and made it clear that redistricting is about more than lines; it is about people’s lives. It bleeds into every aspect of daily life. Redistricting and unfair maps silences communities, depletes the funding necessary for schools and healthcare, and takes away the choice to select the elected leader who best represents you.

Anneshia Hardy, executive director of Alabama Values, reminded us: “This is not just about maps. This is about power. This is about our dignity. This is about our future.”

At the center of this conversation was the Supreme Court case, Louisiana v. Callais. While it will establish Louisiana’s future congressional map, the effects will be felt across the nation. The stakes are high — In a recent article, the Legal Defense Fund stated, “The promise of the VRA and our right to a free, fair, and representative democracy hang in the balance.” It raises the question: will communities of color across the country still have protection of the promises of the Voting Rights Act?

From the drawing of redistricting maps to current legal fights, to extreme gerrymandering, to the ways organizers are diligently working strategically to push for fair maps and representation, the lines matter — now more than ever. The voices of communities of color across the country have an impact and now is the time to make it heard.

Across the South, organizers are sounding the alarm about the consequences of unfair maps and redistricting — sharing what’s at stake for the communities they serve.

Emily Eby Frank, policy director at Common Cause Texas explained the impact unfair maps have in daily life and how it reaches across multiple areas.Frank said, “I’m thinking about healthcare cuts, that big, ‘beautiful’ bill, and job losses from economic policies — all of these are wildly unpopular. Now they’re scrambling to redistrict to insulate themselves from accountability.”

Hillary Harris Klein, senior counsel at the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, defined consequences of extreme gerrymandering and the role that it plays when silencing communities from utilizing the power of their vote. Klein said,“It causes dysfunction and polarization in our legislative bodies. They’re no longer doing the work of the people—they’re working for their own purposes and taking power away from the people.”

Community leader Davonte Lewis, Louisiana Public Service Commissioner, describes strategies organizers are using to fight back as well as reiterated the true importance of community voices. Lewis said, “I think the biggest strategy in organizing and mobilizing people is reminding them why redistricting matters. People know their vote is their voice, and their voice is their power. This isn’t just about redistricting — it’s about silencing the power of Black and Brown communities across Louisiana, across the South, and across the nation.”

Monica McInnis, Program manager with Mississippi One Voice, highlighted the impacts unfair maps have in communities and that it affects all levels from the county board to congressional districts. McInnis said, “Everything starts with the community, and unfair maps have a significant impact on our communities. Diluting the vote and the power of individuals changes political representation and influences public policies and funding. The consequences are felt at all levels of government, the county board, school boards, municipalities, and congressional districts.”

Dayana Iza, Texas State Director for Mi Familia en Acción, explained what is at stake when communities are left out of these redistricting conversations and what that means for the community. Iza said, “I think it all starts with education. Sadly, as I mentioned earlier, we already don’t have that representation. So when these lines get redrawn, it’s heartbreaking — because so many people don’t even realize they’re losing representation.”

What connected all these voices was the understanding that redistricting matters — and it impacts communities everyday.

The time to act is now: the fight for fair maps is far from over. Everyone can get involved — stay informed and follow the organizations that are advocating for this fight such as the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, Common Cause Texas, Alabama Values, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, Mississippi One Voice, Mi Familia en Acción, and NAACP. Share with the community around you.

Keep watch of the Supreme Court case Louisiana v. Callais. Don’t miss the re-arguments of the case on October 15:

• Listen to the re-arguments here.

• Gather with the community around you to listen and discuss. Here is a discussion guide to direct meaningful conversation.

Our voice is power, and we deserve to make it heard.

Remember, We Draw The Lines.

Learn more about Louisiana v. Callais:

• Legal Defense Fund (LDF): https://www.naacpldf.org/case-issue/louisiana-v-callais-faq/

• Instagram: @naacp_ldf

Learn more about organizations at the forefront of the fight for fair maps:

• Alabama Values:

• https://alvalues.org/

• Instagram:@alvalues

• Southern Coalition for Social Justice:

• https://southerncoalition.org/

• Instagram:@scsjofficial

• Common Cause Texas:

• https://www.commoncause.org/texas/

• Instagram:@commoncausetexas

• Power Coalition for Equity and Justice:

• https://powercoalition.org/

• Instagram:@powercoej

• Mississippi One Voice:

• https://onevoicems.org/

• Instagram:@onevoicems

• Mi Familia en Acción:

• https://www.mifamiliaenaccion.org/

• Instagram:@mfenaccion

• NAACP:

• https://naacp.org/

• Instagram:@naacp