Category: Election Law

Will Federal Court Victory Over Racial Gerrymandering in Alabama Translate to Fair Maps in Louisiana & South Carolina? It May Not.

We reported yesterday that a federal appeals court chose a fairer Congressional redistricting map in Alabama, giving Black voters a better shot at electing the candidates of their choice. Other states also have racial gerrymandering cases pending, but it’s unclear whether the resolution in Alabama will translate to fairness in Louisiana & South Carolina

SCOTUS Said Alabama’s 26% Black Population Should have Two Congressional Districts.  Why is a Federal Court is Holding Up Maps Which Could Give Louisiana’s 33% Black Population Its Two Districts? 

Alabama’s population is 26% Black, and the U.S. Supreme Court’s Allen v. Milligan decision mandated two majority minority Congressional districts under the Voting Rights Act. Louisiana is 33% Black, but on Sept. 29th, a federal appeals court stopped the drawing of two Black Congressional districts.

With a Partisan State Supreme Court and Veto-Proof Majority, North Carolina Legislature Poised to Take Control of the State Election Board

In August, we reported on the North Carolina legislature’s SB 749, stripping the power of the governor to appoint members of the State Board of Elections and giving it to the legislature. Last week, the bill passed the state senate. It’s likely to be vetoed, but will be overridden by a legislature flexing its new veto-proof majority.