The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Jan. 27, 2025
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)
The Biden administration’s solicitor general submitted a Supreme Court brief in 2024, supporting fair Congressional voting maps in Louisiana under the 1965 Voting Rights Act. January 24th, a Trump DOJ official rescinded that brief, saying it no longer represented the U.S. Government.
Oral arguments begin in February for Robinson v. Callais. After the state was forced to draw two minority-majority congressional districts, Republicans appealed, employing an argument tailored for the conservatives on the U.S. Supreme Court. The appellants argue the VRA Section 2 minority-majority district violates the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause because it was drawn on the basis of race. Louisiana’s population is almost 33% Black, yet only one of six Congressional districts was a minority-majority district where voters could reasonably elect the candidate of their choice.
Biden’s solicitor general told the court, QUOTE, “In particular, the United States has an interest in ensuring that States have latitude to adopt districts that comply with both Section 2 and the Equal Protection Clause.”
But in a letter to the Supreme Court just four days after inaugeration, Trump’s acting solicitor general Sarah Harris revoked it, saying, QUOTE, “. . .the previously filed brief no longer represents the position of the United States.”
If you’re a Black, Hispanic, Native American, or other minority voter who wants to elect a candidate of your choice, that’s bad news.
We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Biden Administration U.S. Supreme Court Brief – Robinson v. Callais / Louisiana v. Callais
U.S. Supreme Court – All Briefs for Robinson v. Callais / Louisiana v. Callais
American Democracy Minute – What’s Ahead for 2025: VRA Majority Minority Voting Districts at Risk in Louisiana Redistricting Case at the U.S. Supreme Court
Louisiana Illuminator – (Separate case – Nairne v. Ardoin) Republican AGs seek to use Louisiana redistricting case to weaken Voting Rights Act
The Guardian – Fears grow for voting rights as Trump plots to reshape US justice department
U.S. Justice Department – Letter from Acting Solicitor General Revoking Previous Briefs in Robinson v. Callais
Groups Taking Action:
Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, ACLU of Louisiana
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
Please follow us on Facebook and Bluesky Social, and SHARE!
Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org
Want ADM sent to your email? Sign up here!
Are you a radio station? Find our broadcast files at Pacifica Radio Network’s Audioport and PRX
#Democracy #DemocracyNews #Louisiana #VotingRightsAct #VRA #FairMaps