The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Dec. 30, 2025
We’re looking back at our most important stories of 2025, and what changes to expect for American democracy in 2026. If you’re a voter, it’s been a tough year. If you’re a minority voter, it’s been a really BAD year.
After a federal district court found that the Louisiana legislature had racially gerrymandered the state’s congressional maps, it mandated two majority-minority districts to give Louisiana’s 33% Black population a chance to elect a candidate of their choice. Such accommodation is allowed under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Section 2. But a group of, QUOTE, “non-African American voters” appealed, claiming such districts violate the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, among other complaints.
Oral arguments in Louisiana v. Callais were heard in March 2025, but the conservative justices asked for more briefs and oral arguments in October. This time, it was apparent that the court is poised to strike down 60 years of Congressional support and court precedent and neutralize Section 2’s protections of minority voters. Without those protections, expect widespread dilution of African American, Hispanic, and Native American voting districts, and a loss of minority representation in Congress and state government.
A 2024 high court decision made racial gerrymandering much harder to prove and impacted this year’s Trump gerrymandering arms race. More on that tomorrow. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
American Democracy Minute – (October) In a Big Week for Voting Rights, U.S Supreme Court Hears More Arguments in Louisiana vs. Callais. VRA Protections for Minority Voters are at Stake.
American Democracy Minute – (March) US Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments March 24th in Louisiana v. Callais with Protections for Minority Voters Hanging in the Balance
SCOTUS Blog – Louisiana v. Callais
Ballotpedia – Majority-minority districts
NAACP Legal Defense Fund – What’s at Stake in Louisiana v. Callais
Brennan Center for Justice – Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act at the Supreme Court
Groups Taking Action:
Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, ACLU, Legal Defense Fund, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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