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Analysis of the U.S. Supreme Court’s South Carolina Gerrymandering Decision Finds Disturbing Guidance for Lower Courts

June 2, 2024June 2, 2024

We reported last week on U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s opinion in a South Carolina case, finding no racial gerrymandering when 30,000 Black voters were moved to dilute Black voting power in the state’s 1st Congressional district. Scholars found even more voting rights damage in the fine print.

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.

Another Tactic to Undermine Citizen Ballot Initiatives in Arizona: Slap Signature Collectors with a Subpoena

May 21, 2024May 22, 2024

Yesterday, we reported on attempts by anti-voter legislators in Arizona to make it harder to get citizen ballot initiatives on the ballot, and a higher threshold to pass one. Another suppression tactic by opponents? Slap signature canvassers with a subpoena.

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.

The Federal 5th Circuit Backtracks on Louisiana Congressional Maps, Throwing Out New Map Which Gave Black Voters & Candidates a Chance

May 5, 2024May 5, 2024

Louisiana’s voting age population is 30% Black, yet a 2022 Congressional district map drew only one of six Congressional districts as majority African American. A court-ordered 2024 map fixed that, but another appeals court just threw it out.