Redistricting is a process in which, after the census is conducted at the start of every decade, state legislatures evaluate and redraw their state’s electoral maps, usually to account for changes in population and shifting demographics as people move out of state or consolidate in different urban areas. These maps determine the districts to which residents are assigned when they vote on who will represent them in federal, state, and local government bodies. Redistricting determines the boundaries for congressional districts, state legislative districts, and local districts, like school boards, city councils, and county commissions. It also sometimes determines those for other statewide or sub-state bodies, such as state boards of education, utility commissions, and judicial districts.
Electoral maps can hide mechanisms to silence Black voters and drastically impact Black voters’ opportunities to elect candidates of their choice who understand their experiences and will prioritize policies that communities desire. Disproportionate representation and the “packing and cracking” of Black voters in and out of districts can shut Black voters out of the political process, both infringing on their right to participate equally in their democracy and potentially diminishing their trust in their government. The district you vote in can affect every part of your life. And fair legislative maps mean you have an opportunity to make positive changes in areas that impact you every day. Fair maps mean having a voice in lower prices, better schools, safer streets, accessible health care, fresher food, and so much more. Fair maps mean a chance to make lasting changes for the better.
LDF has been on the frontlines to defend all voters’ right to fair representation at every level of government. Discriminatory redistricting maps are a catalyst for oppressive legislation that targets our most vulnerable and historically abused communities. However, we know that when diverse communities are fairly represented, quality of life improves for all. Achieving equal representation and being able to cast equal and effective votes depends in part on redistricting maps that are drawn fairly to reflect and respect our communities.
Here, we’ve compiled a state-by-state look at our work to fight for fair maps and fair representation at every level. Since the redistricting process kicked off in 2021, LDF been working tirelessly to ensure equal representation in Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Georgia.
CONTACT: Ella Wiley, LDF,925-819-0555, ewiley@naacpldf.org Rebecca Seung-Bickley, ACLU of Alabama, 334-561-3829, rseungbickley@aclualabama.org Inga Sarda-Sorensen, ACLU National, 347-514-3984, isarda-sorensen@aclu.org Graeme Crews, SPLC, 334-224-0002, graeme.crews@splcenter.org BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Individual voters
Today, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, and the Limestone County Branch of the
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, and the Limestone County Branch of the NAACP sent
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, and the Huntsville-Madison County Branch of the NAACP
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (“LDF”), Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, American Civil Liberties Union (“ACLU”), Greater Birmingham Ministries and
Today, a hearing concluded in a battle that will determine the fate of a longstanding Louisiana Supreme Court seat, anchored in Orleans Parish, that
Today, LDF sent a letter to the DeSoto Parish, Louisiana Police Jury to correct misleading information contained in a November 18, 2022 letter to
On Democracy’s Front Lines Louisiana Voting Rights Defenders in Action By Ella Wiley Senior Communications Associate “In my opinion, election protection is the most
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court granted Louisiana’s bid to temporarily halt a district court ruling that had required the state to
BATON ROUGE, LA – Today, a federal judge in Robinson v. Ardoin ruled in favor of Black voters challenging Louisiana’s newly enacted congressional map
BATON ROUGE, LA – Today, a five-day evidentiary hearing for a preliminary injunction came to a close in Robinson v. Ardoin, the case challenging
Read a PDF of our statement here. Today, after succeeding in convincing county lawmakers to pass a new map that provides fair representation to
Case: Voting Rights and Redistricting NAACP Fayette-Somerville Branch, et al. v. Fayette County, Tennessee, et al. Fighting for fair maps and representation in Fayette
Today, the Legal Defense Fund and Donati Law, PLLC filed a lawsuit on behalf of 5 individual Black voters and the Fayette-Somerville Branch of
At the Supreme Court, LDF argued that a congressional map that was in place during the 2024 election cycle should remain because it satisfies both the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.
This piece explores how three states with discriminatory maps have shirked their responsibilities to their constituents, paving the way for the passage of oppressive legislation.
Understanding the role of race in the redistricting process as a means of ensuring equitable representation and political power is critical.
Despite its major influence on elections and people’s lives, however, redistricting is complicated and easily misunderstood. We break down how redistricting works and how communities canengage
We’ve compiled answers to frequently asked questions about the seminal U.S. Supreme Court case Allen v. Milligan and its impact on voting rights and redistricting.
LDF Report
LDF, MALDEF, and AAJC published a guide to the redistricting process, outlining how communities can get involved and advocate for fair maps.
