Federal Judges Block Newly Drawn Louisiana Congressional Map

A newly drawn congressional map in Louisiana was struck down on Tuesday by a panel of federal judges who found that the new boundaries, which form a second majority Black district in the state, amounted to an “impermissible racial gerrymander” that violated the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

The 2-to-1 ruling now leaves uncertain which boundaries will be used in the November elections, which are just six months away and could play a critical role in determining the balance of power in the House of Representatives.

Critics warned that the decision could have broader implications on voting rights. Eric H. Holder Jr., the former U.S. attorney general and current chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, said the “ideological nature of the decision could not be more clear.”

House Bill 800: Why Senators Should Not Sell Louisiana (Or Any Other State) To Big Business

The State Constitution of Louisiana is not perfect; no state constitution is. But that doesn’t mean state constitutions should be tossed aside or arbitrarily opened with no clarity on the rationale for doing so. It takes time to craft a governing document, and it takes time to protect the individual liberties and basic rights of all. But in seeking to host a constitutional convention, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry is undermining democracy and putting Louisianians at risk.

Under House Bill 800, legislators would convene on May 20, write a new state constitution by June 15 and put it on the ballot during the 2024 presidential election. This narrow window would make it hard for Louisianians to understand the process, offer input, or ensure that their rights are protected. The convention itself, and the short timeline for it, would also compromise local governments and institutions.

Ida B. Wells Was a Pathbreaking Data Storyteller

In our movement for a just democracy, we often affirm that data and technology, in the hands of oppressed communities, can help liberate us. The life and legacy of Ida B. Wells-Barnett provides compelling evidence of this truth.  Born Ida Bell Wells in Holly Springs, Mississippi in 1862 and often writing under the pseudonym, “Lola” throughout her career, Wells’ legacy as a courageous reporter and activist has made her a symbol of justice journalism, Black resistance, and Black feminist organizing.  Her work also proved that data is more accurate when collected and driven by communities, making her a trailblazing data specialist and storyteller. 

HB6 Strategy Meeting & Discussion

The City of St. George Supreme Court ruling has left many folks of East Baton Rouge parish confused and with many questions surrounding the school district itself. But in order for the school district to form, HB 6 has to pass out of the legislature. Join us as we strategize how to defeat the bill and protect public schools systems across the state of Louisiana. 

Ride to the Capitol

On Wednesday April 24th, the Power Coalition and GNOHA will be providing a bus from New Orleans to the Capitol.  Make your voice heard regarding HB 800, SB484, and other important bills before state legislators. Plan to testify in a committee?Need help planning your testimony? Visit our website to download an info sheet, look at our legislative how-tos, or reach out to the Power team at info@powercoalition.org Departure time 7:00 AM  Bus leaves the Capitol at 3:00 PMYou must register using the form signupto ride the bus.

Constitutional Convention Webinar Part 2

House Bill 800 calls for a limited constitutional convention. Join us for an opportunity to learn about the constitutional convention and the potential impact on Louisianans. 

HB 506

Currently, individuals and organizations throughout Louisiana can host voter registration drives and may choose to register with the state, but they are not required to. The Secretary of State has recommended best practices for voter registration drives, and if people complete voter registration forms, the host of the voter registration drive is required to turn the forms in for finalization of the registration.  This proposed legislation would require all voter registration drives in Louisiana to register with the state. This creates an additional burden for student groups, churches, non-profits, and others that regularly host voter registration drives.  Additionally, this changes long standing practices to increase voter registration and creates penalties for not registering voter registration drives including fines and up to imprisonment. We should not be making it more burdensome to register voters in Louisiana. 

HB 581

Voting absentee by mail is available for a variety of reasons in Louisiana. When you choose to vote by mail, completing the ballot requires a witness to sign the ballot before mailing it in. This proposed legislation would update the regulations so that a person may only provide a witness signature on ONE absentee vote by mail certificate.  This means that friends, organizations, congregations, and other groups that support vote by mail would have to be very careful not to witness multiple ballots. Violations of this proposed legislation would be punishable by fines and up to imprisonment.  We should be making it easier for people to access the vote in Louisiana, not creating more hurdles. 

HB 483

This proposed legislation would make it illegal for anyone registered as a sex offender or child predator to serve as an election commissioner. Louisiana does not have enough election commissioners at the moment and it is a job that does not require interaction with children. Creating new barriers to filling these roles when there is already a shortage of election workers sets a dangerous precedent. 

HB 800

HB800 is rushing a Constitutional Convention that would re-write our state constitution without any input from the voters and jeopardize funding for critical state programming, including education. Urge legislators to vote NO and not call for a 2024 Constitutional Convention.

Louisiana Congressional map debate continues in federal court

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—The recently passed Louisiana Congressional district map is being debated in federal court after opponents filed a lawsuit calling it unconstitutional.

Plaintiffs said they brought the lawsuit because they believe the map was drawn unconstitutionally, with race being a prominent factor.

The newly drawn map passed in the 2024 Special Legislative Session, created a second Black majority out of Louisiana’s six districts to comply with the Voting Rights Act. Because 1/3 of voters in Louisiana are Black, the Act requires that the district be drawn to reflect that representation.

Jared Evans, Senior Policy counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, argues that the goal of the plaintiffs is to “have a district with one majority Black district and five majority White that elect White republicans.”

Hearing underway on attempt to overthrow La.’s congressional map

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — The trial over a lawsuit attempting to overthrow Louisiana’s new congressional map will continue Wednesday (April 10).

The hearing before a three-judge panel is being held in Shreveport. It began Monday and could last at least one more day.

Earlier this year, Louisiana lawmakers were tasked with making the map after a judge said a previous one violated the Voting Rights Act. The judge said Louisiana must have two majority-minority districts since one-third of its population is African-American. The previous map had one such district.

Under the latest map, the new 6th Congressional District extends from southern Caddo Parish through Natchitoches and Alexandria to Baton Rouge. The new boundaries jeopardize Republican Congressman Garret Graves’ place in Congress.

Jeff Landry targeted Garret Graves in redrawing district map, LA lawmaker testifies

The trial to decide the fate of Louisiana’s congressional representation continued in Shreveport on Tuesday, as the court heard further testimony from elected officials and demographics experts.

The trial is the result of a federal lawsuit filed by a group of Louisiana residents that argued that the congressional map supported by Gov. Jeff Landry and approved by the state Legislature in January amounted to an unconstitutional “racial gerrymander.” The map, introduced in Senate Bill 8, created a new majority Black congressional district stretching diagonally across the state to encompass the large Black communities in and around Shreveport, Alexandria, Lafayette and Baton Rouge. 

Constitutional Convention Webinar

House Bill 800 calls for a limited constitutional convention. Join us for an opportunity to learn about the constitutional convention and the potential impact on Louisianans. 

Environmental Protection Agency Gives $20 Billion in ‘Green Bank’ Grants

When Marcus Jones and his business partner, Akunna Olumba, set out to open a pizzeria in Detroit, they spoke with banks about their green vision: solar panels on the roof, an energy-efficient tankless water heater and a rooftop system to capture storm water. “The lenders thought we were crazy,” Mr. Jones said. Traditional banks were skeptical that such investments would yield a return, and few had ever issued loans for clean energy or efficiency measures. They told the restaurateurs that it simply was not done. Instead, the pair connected with a so-called green bank, one of a growing number of entities that loan money to businesses and individuals for equipment or technology that reduces the pollution driving climate change.

5th Ward Elementary Community Meeting

We are inviting all parents, students (past and present), teachers, and concerned citizens to join us via Zoom for an important conversation about the future of 5th Ward Elementary School.* *Please note: Members of the school board, Principals, Vice Principals, and other senior faculty are not permitted to join.”

Update Your Voter Registration

Check and Update Your Voter Registration Status Frequently Asked Questions About VotingFrequently Asked Questions▸What is a Voter Roll Purge?Voter roll purges, or list maintenance, is when people are removed from the registered voter list. This practice aims to remove people who moved or died.  If you have not voted in 2 federal elections, which include Presidential and Congressional elections, you are at risk of being removed from the voter list. ▸How can I make sure I am on the registered voter list?Vote in every election! If you do not vote you are at risk of becoming an inactive voter. Check your registration status! Visit Geauxvote.com and make sure your registration is up to date.▸What if I am not on the Registered Voter List?If you have been removed, register NOW to vote in the next election! Visit Geauxvote.com to register to vote.  If you find you have been removed from the voter …

2024 Policy Priorities

2024 Policy PrioritiesIn the News|Task force will study voting rights for Louisiana’s disabled people|Louisiana Senate Ignores Law Enforcement, Faith Leaders, Community Members and Advocates, Advances Permitless Carry Legislation|Louisiana Families for Vaccines hosting Day of Action at State Capitol|Crown Act bill advances in the Louisiana legislature|Power Coalition to put equity and justice at the front of the State Capitol|Louisiana Legislature Overturns Governor’s Veto of Map Lacking a Second Majority-Black Congressional District; Civil Rights Groups File Suit Under Voting Rights ActConstitutional ConventionPower Coalition opposes the call for a 2024 Louisiana Constitutional ConventionTake ActionTake Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!Take Action!HB 800Calls for a Constitutional ConventionSponsored by Representative Beau BealieuHB800 is rushing a Constitutional Convention that would re-write our state constitution without any input from …

HB 261

During each election, there is a prohibition of certain activities within 600 feet of each polling location. Candidates can not do direct outreach and there are rules in place for the safety and protection of people wishing to cast their vote. Election commissioners, law enforcement officers, registrars, or deputy registrars may ask people who are violating these rules to leave the area. Protecting the integrity of polling locations is critical to ensuring fair and free elections, but these laws have also been used to target non-partisan groups who are there to help. In recent years, advocacy groups have passed out non-partisan information at polling sites, and during long lines to cast votes have distributed water or food to people waiting to cast their votes.  This proposed legislation would ensure that no person or entity would be prohibited from engaging in activities within 600 feet of a polling location that are …

SB 97

Increasingly, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology is making it easier to create fake videos, voice recordings, and photos that look like real people and events. This is happening across sectors and media, but it can be particularly damaging in elections. Bad actors can create fake videos, photos, and recordings that imply falsehoods about political candidates and can impact election outcomes.  Currently, Louisiana law prohibits the misrepresentation of political candidates to protect the ability for voters to vote for candidates of choice.  Senate Bill 97 would update political advertising regulations by explicitly prohibiting the undisclosed use of “deep fake” technology, artificial intelligence, or other similar tools that can be used to impersonate a candidate, employee, or other person with the intention of misleading voters. If political communications utilize the technologies to misrepresent a candidate, the communication must state that the message will use those technologies before the audio or visual …

SB 384

When voting in person on election day or during early voting, a voter must show a photo identification card, and if that is not available, the voter must sign and complete an affidavit that includes their date of birth and mother’s maiden name.  This proposed legislation would remove the option to include mother’s maiden name. Further, it would update the law so that if a voter does not have a photo identification card, they must sign an affidavit with their full name and address where they are registered to vote instead of utilizing their mother’s maiden name. By removing the Mother’s maiden name from the options for additional information and using it as a confirmation of a signed affidavit, it removes a barrier to voting for people who may not have access to their mother’s maiden name and instead uses information that would be available to more voters.  Inability to …

SB 96

Senate Bill 96 would clarify voter registration deadlines. Currently, Louisiana has two separate voter registration deadlines: The deadline to register to vote in person, by mail or at the OMV Office is generally 30 days prior to the election.     The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is generally 20 days prior to the election. To register through the GeauxVote portal, voters must have a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana special ID card that has the four-digit audit code on Louisiana IDs.This legislation would update the law so that a person registering to vote in person at a Registrar of Voters Office who has a Louisiana ID and can provide the audit code would be eligible to register up to 20 days before an election instead of 30 days.  This updated legislation helps people who otherwise may not have access to a computer/internet or …

HB 319

House Bill 319 would require that when a polling location is changed, that the reason for the change must be identified online. In recent years, polling locations have been changed ahead of elections due to storms, power outages, staffing concerns, and other last minute local changes.  This legislation would ensure voters and organizers are able to better understand why a polling site changed and if it is a permanent or temporary relocation.  Requiring the parish governing authority or parish president to include the reason for the change with his notice of the change of a polling location will make this process more transparent and work to reduce voter suppression. 

HB 412

House Bill 412 would require the State Board of Election Supervisors to post their draft recommendations on the Secretary of State’s website at least 72 hours before the Board votes on them.  Many recent policies regarding voting rights and election laws were the direct product of this Board’s recommendations.  Currently, the draft recommendations and final report are not provided to the public in advance of the Board’s meeting or after.

Winning Women

Women of color leaders across the US South are bringing in wins big and small that propel us toward cleaner energy, build health and wealth in disinvested communities, and protect democratic rights for Black, Brown, Indigenous, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and other marginalized populations. These are just a few of the wins and the women behind them we’re celebrating this women’s month.

Shining a Light On: Ashley Shelton

This month, we are shining a light on Ashley Shelton, the Founder, President & CEO of the Power Coalition, a statewide 501c3 table in Louisiana. The Power Coalition uses a broad-based strategy that combines community organizing, issue advocacy, and civic action, all while increasing the capacity of community organizations throughout the state to sustain and hold the work. Prior to founding the Power Coalition, Ashley was the Vice President of Programs at the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation (LDRF), now known as the Foundation for Louisiana. 

2023 Annual Report

Louisiana Families for Vaccines Day of Action at the Capitol

Louisiana Families for Vaccines is hosting their day of Action at the Capitol on Monday, April 29th starting at 9:00 AM. Join us to advocate for the health of our children and families! The link to register is below, we hope to see you there!

Louisiana Public Safety Reform Day

The Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana is hosting Louisiana Public Safety Reform Day on Wednesday, April 17th at 9:00 at the State Capitol. Join us to advocate for public safety reform at the legislature! We hope to see you there!

Promise of Justice Initiative Advocacy Day to End Jim Crow Juries

 This will be an opportunity to join affected families, community members, faith leaders and many more from across the state to demand that the legislature put an end to Jim Crow Juries. PJI will be providing resources, training, talking points, self care techniques and more for participants. Please join us if you are able! The link to register is below!

Geaux Far Advocacy Day at the Capitol

Our Partners at Geaux Far are hosting their Advocacy Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, April 2nd! The day will start at 9:00 AM! This will be a great opportunity to support increased investment in early care and education and let our legislators know that this is a priority during this legislative session and beyond! Please register below and join us there!

Beauty, Barbers, and Ballots event stresses voting, civic engagement

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—Local hair salon owners are partnered to host a Beauty, Barbers, and Ballots mixer. The event kicked off at Haze on Texas Street at 8 pm and went on until midnight. The event creators aimed to unite beauty professionals and enthusiasts to promote voter registration and participation and to get people out to party with a purpose.

Louisiana legislation targets mail-in absentee voting as it gains in popularity

Louisiana lawmakers have filed legislation that would make it harder to vote by mail, particularly for elderly shut-ins and people with disabilities, just as record numbers cast ballots Saturday on the first day of early voting in the state’s March 23 presidential primary election. Since Louisiana adopted early voting almost 20 years ago, it has steadily grown in popularity. The coronavirus pandemic created a surge in mail-in voting that continues to increase, according to Baton Rouge pollster John Couvillon.  Saturday saw a 17% increase in mail-in voting for the first day of early voting compared with the 2020 presidential primary. There was an even greater spike for In-person early voting, which was up 89% relative to four years ago, with six days remaining to cast a ballot ahead of time. 

Early voting begins in Shreveport

Early voting began Saturday morning, March 9, 2024, at Caddo Parish Registrar of Voters located at 525 Marshall Street in downtown Shreveport.

Baton Rouge Bike N Vote gets community involved with early voting

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The Presidential Preference Primary and Municipal Primary Election is set for Saturday, March 23 and while the voter registration deadline has passed, local organizations are working to get the community to take advantage of early voting. The Power Coalition of Equity and Justice in partnership with Geaux Ride Baton Rouge and Bike N Vote is making it their mission to get people to the polls with one of their signature events, biking to the polls.

Caddo Parish Virtual Election Protection Training

Join us on zoom for LDF’s Election Protection Training! We will give you all the tools you need to protect the voting rights of Louisiana residents for the upcoming March 23rd election and beyond.

Black Maternal Health Advocacy Day

Join us for a virtual gathering on Black Maternal Health Advocacy Day 2024, where we’ll empower and uplift voices to fight for better maternal health. 8:00 AM CST: Virtual Town Hall 11:45 AM CST: Press Conference on Capitol Steps Join us for an exciting online event, the Black Maternal Health Advocacy Day 2024! This is a unique opportunity to come together and raise awareness while influencing policy on the critical issues surrounding black maternal health. We’ll have engaging discussions, informative sessions, and inspiring speakers who are passionate about improving the well-being of Black mothers, babies, and families. Mark your calendars and be ready to advocate for change on April 17, 2024. Let’s unite and amplify our voices for a healthier future!

Worker’s Bill of Rights Town Hall

Our Partners at Step Up Louisiana are hosting a Workers’ Bill of Rights Town Hall next Monday, February 17th at Corpus Christi Community Resource Center on 2022 Saint Bernard Avenue New Orleans, LA 70116, where they will be discussing their campaign launch and how to get involved in creating a more equitable New Orleans. The workers of New Orleans make the city an amazing place to live and a unique cultural destination, but those same workers are not able to reap the benefits of their labor, it’s time for that to change! Register here and we hope to see you there!

Louisiana State Advocacy Summit

Our Partners at Save the Children Action Network are hosting a Louisiana State Advocacy Summit to prepare for the upcoming legislative session as they prepare to advocate for policies that will positively impact Louisiana’s Children. The Summit will take place on Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 9:30 am-3:30 pm CST at The Executive Center on 250 S. Foster Dr, Baton Rouge, LA, 70806. Please register here to attend! 

Crime Session Advocacy Day

Our partner VOTE is hosting an advocacy day at the Capitol during the upcoming Crime Special Session. This session is going to be an opportunity for bills concerning criminal and juvenile justice to be introduced at the legislature, and we want to make sure we are there to support VOTE’s incredible work in those fields. Please RSVP here to attend, and we hope to see you there!

Power Day at the Capitol

Learn about what policies Power Coalition and its partners are supporting during the Legislative Session! We encourage the community to attend and see the policy making process live in person; we will also be holding a press conference on the stairs of the Capitol with opportunities to meet legislators.

2024 Bill Tracker

2024 Bill TrackerUpdates|Community Spotlight: Power Coalition Equity and Justice|Though Black population increases statewide, numbers decrease on legislative level|House Bill 286 to Extend Early Voting Passes Senate and Headed to Governor’s Desk|House Bill 285 to Increase Time in Voting Booth Unanimously Passes Senate and Headed to Governor’s DeskHouse of RepresentativesSenate Bill FocusBill #Bill SponsorSummaryCurrent Status Elections and VotingHB 1https://house.louisiana.gov/H_Reps/members?ID=13Provides for the ordinary operating expenses of state government for Fiscal Year 2024-2025Pending Senate referral HB4ZERINGUEDISTRICTS/COMMUNICATIONS: Provides for an increase in wireless service charges for 911 services provided by the Terrebonne Parish Communications DistrictPending Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs HB5OWEN (R)PUBLIC FACILITIES: Provides relative to types of payment accepted at public events at public postsecondary education institutionsPending Senate Education HB6Rep. Chenevert (R)SCHOOLS: (Constitutional Amendment) Grants any legislatively created public school system the same treatment and authority granted to parishes for purposes of minimum foundation program funding and local taxing authorityNotice given subject to …

Mardi Gras is Revolutionary

As the executive director of Women With A Vision—an organization that has worked at the intersections of HIV/AIDS, reproductive justice, the criminalization of Black women and girls, and queer liberation for more than three decades—every day I see the ways oppressive systems leave too many fighting for survival.  Too often I hear the work of organizers and activists described in opposition. I have not spent over 30 years of my life in the fight for social justice to just see a world “without.” A world without racism or capitalism isn’t enough. We’re working to topple oppressive systems because we deserve so much more. The end of these systems is just the starting point. I’m looking toward a future filled with pleasure and joy and community, one where we are free to create art and dance and share our talents. I’m looking forward to a world that looks a little like Mardi …

Civil Rights Groups Secure Victory in Landmark Case Challenging Racial Discrimination in Louisiana’s State Legislative Maps  

BATON ROUGE, La. — In a victory for fair maps, a federal court today ruled in favor of Louisiana voters, agreeing that the current state House and Senate district maps violate Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.  The plaintiffs who challenged the state legislative maps — the Louisiana State Conference of the NAACP, Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute, and several individual voters — are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Louisiana, Legal Defense Fund (LDF), law firm Cozen O’ Connor, and Louisiana attorneys Ron Wilson and John Adcock.  In its decision, the court condemned the packing and cracking of Black communities within the maps, emphasizing the importance of upholding the principles of equal representation for all citizens.   In response to these findings, the court has mandated remedial measures to rectify the discriminatory boundaries, ensuring that future elections reflect the true diversity of the Louisiana population. …

SUSLA Voter Registration Drive Series

Join us EVERY WEDNESDAY IN FEBRUARY and Get Registered and Ready to VOTE! Lunch & Door Prizes Learn how the 2nd Black-Majority District affects YOUR VOTE! Get registered! See what is on the ballot Make your voice count

Northwest Louisiana VIRTUAL Voter Registration Training

We’re Powering community leaders in Northwest Louisiana to take action with Voter Registration Training! Help give Power to the People in your community by learning more about Voter Registration and how to host a drive!

Northwest Louisiana Voter Registration Training

We’re Powering community leaders in Northwest Louisiana to take action with Voter Registration Training! Help give Power to the People in your community by learning more about Voter Registration and how to host a drive!

Black Louisianans Enter a New Political Era

With a fair congressional map signed into law, advocates shift to making sure that residents understand the stakes of this year’s elections. Baton Rouge resident Ashley Shelton was overjoyed when she learned that, after a years-long legal battle, Black Louisianans have secured greater political representation. On Monday, Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed into law a map that follows the math by adding a second majority-Black congressional district. Previously, Black Louisianans had a fair shot at electing their preferred candidate in only one of the Bayou State’s six congressional districts, even though Louisiana is 33% Black. “This whole story has been about the judges, the U.S. Supreme Court, the legislators, the governors. But, ultimately, the people are who got us here,” Shelton, the president and founder of the New Orleans-based nonprofit Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, which was a plaintiff in the case, told Capital B. “People power made this happen — …

Deep investments in energy savings approved today!

After a 13 year process, the Louisiana Public Service Commission voted 3-2 to approve a Final Rule with a Third-Party Administrator (TPA) model to administer robust statewide energy efficiency programs.  Louisiana residents use at least 30% more electricity than the average American household, wasting millions of dollars a year on high utility bills. This is due in part to leaky, inefficient housing across the state. Now, after more than 13-years of regulatory proceedings, the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) has approved long-term energy efficiency programs for Louisianans that will scale up over the coming decade to save energy and money, improve health and safety, and invest millions of dollars in homes and small businesses.  Since 2009, The Alliance has participated in LPSC proceedings, advocating for strong efficiency programs that reduce costs for residents by increasing funding options that allow Louisianans to make home improvements to safeguard their homes from extreme weather. ​

Entergy Louisiana receives approval for additional renewable power facilities

BATON ROUGE, La. – To meet customers’ needs for renewable energy, the Louisiana Public Service Commission approved the construction of facilities that would add approximately 225 megawatts of solar power to Entergy Louisiana’s generation portfolio. In 2023, the company sought Commission approval of two projects to source more solar energy – one in Iberville Parish that would account for approximately 175 megawatts, the other in Ouachita Parish that would be referred to as the Sterlington Solar Facility and account for an additional 49 megawatts. The Sterlington Solar Facility will be constructed adjacent to the site of one of Entergy Louisiana’s oldest power plants, symbolizing the modernization of the company’s generation fleet to more efficient, cleaner sources of power. The Sterlington Power Station was built and placed into operation in the 1920’s and initially produced around 25 megawatts of power.

Sample Ballots – April 27 Runoff Election

An informed voter is a Power Voter. Get informed.In our continuing effort to educate voters across Louisiana, we have developed a sample ballot for the Runoff Municipal General Election, April 27, 2024. The ballots are broken down by parish, and we’ve included descriptions of the responsibilities of many of the positions up for election as well as the text of local proposals. Download a sample ballot for your parish and get prepared to go vote. We are adding these sample ballots to our website as they are developed. If you don’t see your parish here, please check back soon or go to the Secretary of State’s website and enter your voter information to view a sample ballot there. If you would like to request a sample ballot for your parish, please email us at info@powercoalition.org.Please check back for the April 27, 2024 Sample Ballots.  We will have them available as …

Louisiana makes history with new Black congressional district that includes Shreveport

Louisiana has a second majority Black congressional district for the first time in decades after Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed off on a new map Monday passed by the Legislature during a Special Session last week. Lawmakers dismantled Republican U.S. Rep. Garret Graves’ 6th Congressional District to create the new majority Black district that includes parts of Shreveport, Alexandria, and Baton Rouge as the population centers, putting Graves’ political future in danger.

Louisiana Lawmakers Approve Map That Empowers More Black Voters

The Legislature passed a congressional map that creates a second majority-Black district while shielding the state’s most powerful conservatives in Washington from political jeopardy. Louisiana lawmakers on Friday approved a new congressional map that would create a second district with a majority of Black voters, after a federal court found that the existing map appeared to illegally undercut the power of Black voters in the state. Given that Black voters often back Democratic candidates in the state, the new map also increases the possibility of Democrats’ taking control of a second congressional seat in Louisiana.