Grassroots Organizers Discuss Redistricting Challenge
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.
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:
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:
Instagram:@alvalues
Southern Coalition for Social Justice:
Instagram:@scsjofficial
Common Cause Texas:
Instagram:@commoncausetexas
Power Coalition for Equity and Justice:
Instagram:@powercoej
Mississippi One Voice:
Instagram:@onevoicems
Mi Familia en Acción:
Instagram:@mfenaccion
NAACP:
Instagram:@naacp