Supreme Court Archives | Page 6 of 29 | American Democracy Minute

U.S. Supreme Court Finds South Carolina Gerrymandering Case ‘Bleaching’ Congressional District Not Racially Motivated

May 28, 2024May 28, 2024

Back in October 2023, U.S. Supreme Court justices heard oral arguments to determine whether redistricting by the South Carolina legislature was prohibited racial gerrymandering, or political gerrymandering, allowed by the 2019 Rucho decision. The new opinion could have a dramatic effect on the 2030 redistricting cycle.

U.S. Supreme Court Stays 5th Circuit, Allowing Louisiana’s Fairer Congressional Maps – Apparently Invoking the Purcell Principle

May 16, 2024May 16, 2024

We recently explained the Supreme Court’s Purcell principle and its impact. May 15th, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a shocking Fifth Circuit decision to throw out fairer Congressional districts for Louisiana. The Purcell principle apparently played a role.

The Purcell Principle: A SCOTUS Decision Intended to Avoid Voter Confusion May Now Be a Stealth Voter Suppression Tactic

May 15, 2024May 15, 2024

You may have heard references to the “Purcell principle” in news reports. What started as a U.S. Supreme Court opinion to minimize confusion and disruption close to an election, may now be a partisan voter suppression tactic.

Nevada Supreme Court Throws Out Citizen Ballot Initiatives on Redistricting, and May Have Damaged Future Direct Democracy Efforts in the Process

May 14, 2024May 14, 2024

Fair Maps Nevada had its ballot questions written and vetted by the secretary of state to put a citizen-run independent redistricting commission on November’s ballot. But May 10th, the Nevada Supreme Court threw them out, and may have damaged Nevada’s direct democracy in the process.

What is the ‘Gingles Test’ and How Does it Impact Minority Voting Rights?

May 7, 2024May 7, 2024

Today, we’re looking at a principle called the “Gingles Test” that federal courts use when determining whether a gerrymandered redistricting map is a violation of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. How that test is interpreted can determine whether minority voters can elect the candidate of their choice, or their vote is diluted by an anti-voter state legislature.