Redistricting News
|Civil Rights Groups Secure Victory in Landmark Case Challenging Racial Discrimination in Louisiana’s State Legislative Maps  |Black Louisianans Enter a New Political Era|Louisiana makes history with new Black congressional district that includes Shreveport|Louisiana Lawmakers Approve Map That Empowers More Black Voters|Advocates to Hold Mass Mobilization Event at Louisiana Capitol Before Redistricting Committee Meeting and Public Hearing|Who will draw new congressional map for Louisiana? Edwards, Landry debate who calls the session|Mark Ballard: Congressional redistricting court fight will likely prove consequential|Voting rights advocates welcome the Supreme Court’s ruling related to La’s redistricting|New majority-Black congressional district in Louisiana closer to reality; see why|US Supreme Court tosses race-based dispute over Louisiana electoral map|Supreme Court allows for Louisiana congressional map to be redrawn to add another majority-Black district|Mark Ballard: Louisiana poised to draw a majority-Black congressional district|Surprise US supreme court ruling could help Democrats take House in 2024|SCOTUS ruling on Alabama’s congressional maps could change voting in Louisiana|Supreme Court ruling could lead to new Louisiana congressional maps — with 2nd Black district|In Supreme Court’s Alabama ruling, Black voter advocates see roadmap to new maps in Louisiana|Voting Rights Activists Look Beyond Supreme Court To People Power|Ashley K. Shelton on the #PutHousingFirst Radio Show|How we fight gerrymandering in the South|Ashley K. Shelton on The Lurie Daniel Favors Show|SCOTUS takes on voting rights case|Campus political groups seek to increase voter turnout|Do Louisiana’s Congressional districts discriminate? Supreme Court hears a related case|Advocates show solidarity as SCOTUS hears redistricting case|Get Out and Vote Canvassing Efforts Begin to Engage Black Voters Statewide|The specter of second-class citizenship|Lawsuits Challenge Second Class Citizenship Status in Southern States.|Advocacy groups to hold briefing prior to International Day of Democracy|Statement from Power Coalition CEO Ashley Shelton on Amicus Brief Release|PCEJ Celebrates Judicial Court Ruling that Declares EBR School Board Plan 22 Null and Void |Judge tosses new Baton Rouge school board maps, gives Wednesday deadline for new ones|Federal judge intervenes with new congressional district map after failure from legislature|Statement from Power Coalition CEO Ashley Shelton on the Special Session |State rep, lawsuit plaintiff & LA SoS react to congressional map redraw order|Federal Court Rules in Favor of Plaintiffs to Block Enacted Congressional Map |Louisiana lawmakers must redraw maps, come up with second majority-minority district, judge rules|A federal judge blocks Louisiana’s congressional map, calling it a racial gerrymander.|Jefferson School Board reverses course, rejects expansion plan; here’s what they did|Historic vote could add minority seats to Jefferson Parish School Board. See the proposals.|Demographer says political map to match Baton Rouge racial balance probably can’t be done|Arguments wrap up in battle to block congressional maps for upcoming elections|Hearing Wraps in Case Challenging Louisiana’s Congressional Map, Judge to Determine Whether New Map Must Be Drawn|Challenge to Lousiana congressional maps opens; groups seek 2nd majority-Black district|Advocates asking federal judge to block recently passed congressional maps|Preliminary injunction hearing set to begin in case challenging Louisiana’s new congressional map|Rally to be held at EBR School Board Office|In fight for more minority representation, Jefferson Parish School Board will add new districts|Residents ask Jefferson Parish School Board for more Black, Hispanic election districts|The Fight for Our Schools Is Not Over|Courting litigation, EBR School Board OK’s election maps that likely preserve White majority|East Baton Rouge School Board Redistricting Special Meeting Results in Approval of Racially Gerrymandered Map|Louisiana Legislature Overturns Governor’s Veto of Map Lacking a Second Majority-Black Congressional District; Civil Rights Groups File Suit Under Voting Rights Act|Lawsuit filed to challenge Congress redistricting map in Louisiana veto override|Civil Rights Groups File Federal Lawsuit Challenging Louisiana Congressional Map|Why Voters Have the Right to a Real Chance at Representation|From Bloody Sunday to the Present, We Must Continue to Resist|Open Letter to Governor Edwards Regarding Redistricting|Governor Vetoes Proposed Congressional Maps|Redistricting Tactics Threaten to Suppress Black Representation in Louisiana|Redistricting Louisiana: What You Need to Know About Redistricting in Louisiana 2022|Clancy DuBos: Louisiana remap plans could be the next Plessy v. Ferguson|Janea Jamison: There is no ‘race blind’ fight in redistricting|Legislative Redistricting Roadshow Comes to Lake Charles On Wednesday, December 15, 2021|Power Coalition Makes Redistricting Grants to Encourage Equitable Redistricting Process|Louisiana north shore residents want out of New Orleans area congressional district|Legislative Redistricting Roadshow Comes to Alexandria On Tuesday, November 9, 2021|Every Voice Matters: Why Redistricting Is Important|Civil rights groups push for redistricting to increase chance of second Black Louisiana lawmaker|Former state legislator: We need competition in Louisiana’s stagnant political system|Civil rights groups demand second minority-majority district in Louisiana

Redistricting 2021-2024 Timeline

Use the arrows to scroll through the timeline.

Second Black-majority U.S. House District Created!

January 15, 2024

On January 19, 2024, Louisiana lawmakers approved a new congressional map that creates a second Black-majority U.S. House District!

Special Redistricting Session Begins

January 15, 2024

The Louisiana State Legislature convenes to try and pass a new map.  The session will run from January 15 – 23, 2024.

Fifth Circuit Vacates Injunction

November 2, 2023

The Fifth Circuit vacates injunction, deeming a new map can and should be fully enacted for 2024.

Oral Arguments Began

October 6, 2023

Oral Arguments began at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, 600 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. We argued the merits of the case, which is the question of whether the enacted maps violate the Voting Rights Act.

Robinson v. Ardoin Injunction Hearing Announced

July 17, 2023

The Middle District Court ordered the preliminary injunction hearing to enact a new congressional map will advance on October 3-5 at 9:00 AM CT in Courtroom Three, Russell B. Long Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 777 Florida St, Baton Rouge, LA 70801.

Temporary Halt Lifted on Robinson v. Ardoin

June 26, 2023

The U.S. Supreme Court lifted the temporary halt on the lawsuit, which had been paused in the Louisiana case. This pause occurred while the court was examining a similar challenge concerning Alabama’s congressional map. The Supreme Court’s order of lifting the temporary halt on the lawsuit will allow Louisiana’s challenge to continue ahead of time for the 2024 congressional elections.  

Opinion Given on Alan v. Milligan

June 8, 2023

The U.S. Supreme Court Issued its opinion in Allen v. Milligan where they affirmed the importance of fair maps under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

Allen v. Milligan (formerly Merrill v. Milligan) Heard at Supreme Court

October 4, 2022

Merrill v. Milligan to be heard at the Supreme Court ahead of Robinson v. Ardoin.

Amicus Brief Filed

July 18, 2022

Amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs in Robinson v. Ardoin filed in a similar case from Alabama Merrill v. Milligan

Arguments in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals are Scheduled

July 8, 2022

U.S. Supreme Court Issued a Stay

June 28, 2022

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a stay on the case of Robinson v. Ardoin while the Supreme Court considers a similar case from Alabama, Merrill v. Milligan. That case will go to oral argument October 4, 2022.

Testimony Given in the Senate

June 18, 2022

The Senate hears SB 3 by Senator Ward proposing two majority Black districts. Senator Ward pulls SB 3 after realizing a compromise cannot be met. Legislative Special Session adjourns early without creating a new map as ordered by the court. Five different bills filed would have created two majority-minority districts. Only one was reported from the committee.

Senate Bill 2

June 18, 2022

Senate Bill 2, Senator Sharon Hewitt, R-Slidell

Senate Bill 3

June 18, 2022

Senate Bill 3, Senator Rick Ward, R-Port Allen

Legislative Special Session adjourns early without creating a new map

June 18, 2022

Senate Convene/Adjourn Times of the 2022 Second Extraordinary Session:

Day 1: June 15, 2022
Convened: 12:35 PM
Adjourned 2:03 PM

Day 2: June 16, 2022
Convened: 4:30 PM
Adjourned 4:47 PM

Day 3: June 17, 2022
Convened: 5:31 PM
Adjourned 5:36 PM

Day 4: June 18, 2022
Convened: 10:22 AM
Adjourned 2:13 PM

House Bill 4

June 17, 2022

House Bill 4 by Representative Barry Ivey, R-Baton Rouge

House Bill 3

June 17, 2022

House Bill 3 by Representative Barry Ivey, R-Baton Rouge

House Bill 2

June 17, 2022

House Bill 2 by Representative Clay Schexnayder, R-Gonzales

House Bill 1

June 17, 2022

House Bill 1 by Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans

Testimony Given

June 17, 2022

HB 1, 2, 3 & 4 are introduced.

House Convene/Adjourn Times of the 2022 Second Extraordinary Session:

Day 1: June 15, 2022
Convened: 12:42 PM
Adjourned 2:44 PM

Day 2: June 17, 2022
Convened: 4:25 PM
Adjourned 5:44 PM

Day 3: June 18, 2022
Convened: 2:03 PM
Adjourned 2:41 PM

House of Representatives Takes Day Off

June 16, 2022

The Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives gave members the day off. Filed motion to ask the federal judge for a 10-day extension to redraw Louisiana’s congressional districts to meet the court-ordered deadline of June 20, 2022. Judge Shelly Dick denied the request for more time to submit new congressional districts.

Special Redistricting Session Starts

June 15, 2022

The Louisiana Legislature met to start the Special Redistricting Session. The Senate hears SB 1 by Senator Fields. The House introduces four map bills in committee– HB 1, 2, 3, and 4.  

U.S. 5th Circuit of Appeals lifted its temporary stay

June 13, 2022

Special redistricting session continues with June 20th deadline for a new map.

Power Coalition Mobilization and Redistricting Advocacy Day at the Louisiana State Capitol.

June 9, 2022

U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals Issued a Temporary Stay

June 8, 2022

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated its administrative stay of the federal district court’s decision overturning the state’s congressional map and denied motions to stay the district court’s decision pending appeal.

Special Session Called by Governor

June 7, 2022

Gov. John Bel Edwards called a special session, June 15 through June 20, of Louisiana’s Legislature to redraw Louisiana’s Congressional district maps with two majority Black districts, as required by the ruling of the U.S. Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.

Appeal Filed by Secretary of State

June 6, 2022

Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin appealed the district court’s decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Court Decision

June 6, 2022

Judge Shelly Dick of the U.S. Middle District Court of Louisiana struck down the congressional district boundaries that Louisiana enacted on March 30, 2022 when the state legislature overrode Gov. John Bel Edwards. The State Legislature ordered to produce a revised map of the state’s six congressional districts by June 20, 2022. Also directed the state to extend the filing deadline for House candidates, originally set for June 22, and adjusted to July 8. 

Federal Court Hearing Ends

May 13, 2022

Arguments wrapped up at the Middle District Court of Louisiana in the fight to challenge Louisiana’s congressional map.

Five-day Long Federal Court Hearing Begins

May 9, 2022

Civil rights groups turn to the federal court in what will be a five-day long hearing to block the enacted congressional maps.

Lawsuit Filed

March 30, 2022

Civil rights groups and Black Louisiana voters filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the state’s new congressional map as a violation of the Voting Rights Act.

Legislature Overrides Govenor’s Veto

March 30, 2022

The Louisiana legislature overrode Gov. Edwards’s veto of the state’s new congressional maps.

Governor Vetoes Congressional Redistricting Map

March 9, 2022

Governor John Bel Edwards vetoes the congressional redistricting map drawn by Louisiana’s Legislature because it does not add a second majority-minority district. He also announced he would not sign the state House and Senate district maps passed in the redistricting session, allowing them to become law without his approval.

Special Redistricting Session Adjourned

February 18, 2022

Redistricting Roadshows Start

October 20, 2021

Redistricting Roadshows start. Power Coalition starts Redistricting mini-grants, Redistricting coffee chat trainings, Redistricting community dinners, and Faith-Based Teach-In Trainings. These events spanned across the state of Louisiana and some were held virtually.

Redistricting Crowd Academies

May 1, 2021

Power Coalition continues to prepare the community for conversation around redistricting by hosting Redistricting Crowd Academies.

Redistricting Fellows

February 1, 2021

Three Redistricting Fellows brought on to the Power Coalition team to help train and engage the community.

Census Ends

October 15, 2020

Redistricting Academies Held

September 15, 2020

Redistricting Academies held. Power Coalition started working around the state to train legislators and our communities on fair and equitable redistricting and representation.

Census Collection Begins

March 12, 2020

Census begins being collected. Power Coalition ran a year-long, statewide Count Me In campaign to get every person and community counted. The Count Me In campaign started before the COVID-19-related shutdowns occurred. The original campaign integrated in-person events, in-person canvassing, phone and text banking, as well as a robust digital campaign. With the stay-at-home order beginning in March, we quickly moved to a virtual campaign with targeted ads, text messages, phone banking, mailers, and a robust social media campaign that provided accurate, reliable and easy-to-understand information about the census.

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Second Black-majority U.S. House District Created!

January 15, 2024

On January 19, 2024, Louisiana lawmakers approved a new congressional map that creates a second Black-majority U.S. House District!

Special Redistricting Session Begins

January 15, 2024

The Louisiana State Legislature convenes to try and pass a new map.  The session will run from January 15 – 23, 2024.

Fifth Circuit Vacates Injunction

November 2, 2023

The Fifth Circuit vacates injunction, deeming a new map can and should be fully enacted for 2024.

Oral Arguments Began

October 6, 2023

Oral Arguments began at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, 600 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. We argued the merits of the case, which is the question of whether the enacted maps violate the Voting Rights Act.

Robinson v. Ardoin Injunction Hearing Announced

July 17, 2023

The Middle District Court ordered the preliminary injunction hearing to enact a new congressional map will advance on October 3-5 at 9:00 AM CT in Courtroom Three, Russell B. Long Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 777 Florida St, Baton Rouge, LA 70801.

Temporary Halt Lifted on Robinson v. Ardoin

June 26, 2023

The U.S. Supreme Court lifted the temporary halt on the lawsuit, which had been paused in the Louisiana case. This pause occurred while the court was examining a similar challenge concerning Alabama’s congressional map. The Supreme Court’s order of lifting the temporary halt on the lawsuit will allow Louisiana’s challenge to continue ahead of time for the 2024 congressional elections.  

Opinion Given on Alan v. Milligan

June 8, 2023

The U.S. Supreme Court Issued its opinion in Allen v. Milligan where they affirmed the importance of fair maps under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

Allen v. Milligan (formerly Merrill v. Milligan) Heard at Supreme Court

October 4, 2022

Merrill v. Milligan to be heard at the Supreme Court ahead of Robinson v. Ardoin.

Amicus Brief Filed

July 18, 2022

Amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs in Robinson v. Ardoin filed in a similar case from Alabama Merrill v. Milligan

Arguments in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals are Scheduled

July 8, 2022

U.S. Supreme Court Issued a Stay

June 28, 2022

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a stay on the case of Robinson v. Ardoin while the Supreme Court considers a similar case from Alabama, Merrill v. Milligan. That case will go to oral argument October 4, 2022.

Testimony Given in the Senate

June 18, 2022

The Senate hears SB 3 by Senator Ward proposing two majority Black districts. Senator Ward pulls SB 3 after realizing a compromise cannot be met. Legislative Special Session adjourns early without creating a new map as ordered by the court. Five different bills filed would have created two majority-minority districts. Only one was reported from the committee.

Senate Bill 2

June 18, 2022

Senate Bill 2, Senator Sharon Hewitt, R-Slidell

Senate Bill 3

June 18, 2022

Senate Bill 3, Senator Rick Ward, R-Port Allen

Legislative Special Session adjourns early without creating a new map

June 18, 2022

Senate Convene/Adjourn Times of the 2022 Second Extraordinary Session:

Day 1: June 15, 2022
Convened: 12:35 PM
Adjourned 2:03 PM

Day 2: June 16, 2022
Convened: 4:30 PM
Adjourned 4:47 PM

Day 3: June 17, 2022
Convened: 5:31 PM
Adjourned 5:36 PM

Day 4: June 18, 2022
Convened: 10:22 AM
Adjourned 2:13 PM

House Bill 4

June 17, 2022

House Bill 4 by Representative Barry Ivey, R-Baton Rouge

House Bill 3

June 17, 2022

House Bill 3 by Representative Barry Ivey, R-Baton Rouge

House Bill 2

June 17, 2022

House Bill 2 by Representative Clay Schexnayder, R-Gonzales

House Bill 1

June 17, 2022

House Bill 1 by Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans

Testimony Given

June 17, 2022

HB 1, 2, 3 & 4 are introduced.

House Convene/Adjourn Times of the 2022 Second Extraordinary Session:

Day 1: June 15, 2022
Convened: 12:42 PM
Adjourned 2:44 PM

Day 2: June 17, 2022
Convened: 4:25 PM
Adjourned 5:44 PM

Day 3: June 18, 2022
Convened: 2:03 PM
Adjourned 2:41 PM

House of Representatives Takes Day Off

June 16, 2022

The Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives gave members the day off. Filed motion to ask the federal judge for a 10-day extension to redraw Louisiana’s congressional districts to meet the court-ordered deadline of June 20, 2022. Judge Shelly Dick denied the request for more time to submit new congressional districts.

Special Redistricting Session Starts

June 15, 2022

The Louisiana Legislature met to start the Special Redistricting Session. The Senate hears SB 1 by Senator Fields. The House introduces four map bills in committee– HB 1, 2, 3, and 4.  

U.S. 5th Circuit of Appeals lifted its temporary stay

June 13, 2022

Special redistricting session continues with June 20th deadline for a new map.

Power Coalition Mobilization and Redistricting Advocacy Day at the Louisiana State Capitol.

June 9, 2022

U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals Issued a Temporary Stay

June 8, 2022

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated its administrative stay of the federal district court’s decision overturning the state’s congressional map and denied motions to stay the district court’s decision pending appeal.

Special Session Called by Governor

June 7, 2022

Gov. John Bel Edwards called a special session, June 15 through June 20, of Louisiana’s Legislature to redraw Louisiana’s Congressional district maps with two majority Black districts, as required by the ruling of the U.S. Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.

Appeal Filed by Secretary of State

June 6, 2022

Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin appealed the district court’s decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Court Decision

June 6, 2022

Judge Shelly Dick of the U.S. Middle District Court of Louisiana struck down the congressional district boundaries that Louisiana enacted on March 30, 2022 when the state legislature overrode Gov. John Bel Edwards. The State Legislature ordered to produce a revised map of the state’s six congressional districts by June 20, 2022. Also directed the state to extend the filing deadline for House candidates, originally set for June 22, and adjusted to July 8. 

Federal Court Hearing Ends

May 13, 2022

Arguments wrapped up at the Middle District Court of Louisiana in the fight to challenge Louisiana’s congressional map.

Five-day Long Federal Court Hearing Begins

May 9, 2022

Civil rights groups turn to the federal court in what will be a five-day long hearing to block the enacted congressional maps.

Lawsuit Filed

March 30, 2022

Civil rights groups and Black Louisiana voters filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the state’s new congressional map as a violation of the Voting Rights Act.

Legislature Overrides Govenor’s Veto

March 30, 2022

The Louisiana legislature overrode Gov. Edwards’s veto of the state’s new congressional maps.

Governor Vetoes Congressional Redistricting Map

March 9, 2022

Governor John Bel Edwards vetoes the congressional redistricting map drawn by Louisiana’s Legislature because it does not add a second majority-minority district. He also announced he would not sign the state House and Senate district maps passed in the redistricting session, allowing them to become law without his approval.

Special Redistricting Session Adjourned

February 18, 2022

Redistricting Roadshows Start

October 20, 2021

Redistricting Roadshows start. Power Coalition starts Redistricting mini-grants, Redistricting coffee chat trainings, Redistricting community dinners, and Faith-Based Teach-In Trainings. These events spanned across the state of Louisiana and some were held virtually.

Redistricting Crowd Academies

May 1, 2021

Power Coalition continues to prepare the community for conversation around redistricting by hosting Redistricting Crowd Academies.

Redistricting Fellows

February 1, 2021

Three Redistricting Fellows brought on to the Power Coalition team to help train and engage the community.

Census Ends

October 15, 2020

Redistricting Academies Held

September 15, 2020

Redistricting Academies held. Power Coalition started working around the state to train legislators and our communities on fair and equitable redistricting and representation.

Census Collection Begins

March 12, 2020

Census begins being collected. Power Coalition ran a year-long, statewide Count Me In campaign to get every person and community counted. The Count Me In campaign started before the COVID-19-related shutdowns occurred. The original campaign integrated in-person events, in-person canvassing, phone and text banking, as well as a robust digital campaign. With the stay-at-home order beginning in March, we quickly moved to a virtual campaign with targeted ads, text messages, phone banking, mailers, and a robust social media campaign that provided accurate, reliable and easy-to-understand information about the census.

Redistricting: The Long Road to Power


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Second Majority-Black U.S. House Disctrict Created!

Today, Senate Bill #8, a map creating a second majority-Black congressional district, was passed in the Louisiana Legislature after a week of the Redistricting Special Session. The state was granted a final opportunity to pass a map before the deadline of the Federal court trial of Robinson v. Landry, whose plaintiffs include the Power Coalition, Press Robinson, and Davante Lewis, among many others.

The passage of this map marks the opportunity for Black voters in this second congressional district to have a fair chance at political representation.  

This outcome has been years in the making, and at the Power Coalition, we want to thank the partners, those who supported our Redistricting Mass Mobilization (both in person and remotely), community members, and fellow plaintiffs who have been in this fight with us since the very beginning. Ashley Shelton, our Founder and CEO, underscores just how much the support meant to the passage of this map; "Thousands of Louisianians mobilized to make their voices heard in this process. Their call for fair and representative maps echoed through every stop of the redistricting roadshow in 2021, the redistricting session in 2022, the circuit court argument in 2023, and this special session now in 2024. This moment has been years in the making. Through every challenge and delay, we have been clear in our mission to achieve political power, equity, and justice for Black voters in this State." And so the outcome is clear; our POWER is only as strong as our numbers, and the numbers have shown our representation that though our justice was delayed, our community refuses to be deterred! We won the fight for fair maps!

Young People Bring the Power

Redistricting Mass Mobilization Highlights – January 16, 2024

Jacquelyn Germany gives Redistricting Testimony to the committee

Ashley K. Shelton gives testimony before the Louisiana Legislature about passing a Fair Map.

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Special Redistricting Legislative Session

Learn More & Register

The fight for fair maps has been in the works since March of 2020 when we began our Census Campaign Count Me In: Census 2020.
It has been a long road to justice with some highs and some lows. If Redistricting has taught us anything, it is that we are still fighting for fair voting opportunities for all. We faced many battles at the state capitol and worked tirelessly to organize our communities to testify at the Redistricting Roadshows that occurred across the state. Following the roadshows the legislature went into an extraordinary session and we kicked Black History Month off by mobilizing over 250 people to look their representatives in the eye and urge them to pass a congressional map that reflects the data of the 2020 Census.

After long days at the Capitol and hundreds of Louisianaians testifying, the legislature still passed a map that was not reflective of our current demographics. A map that was cracked and packed and silenced black voters. Thankfully, our governor vetoed the Congressional Maps drawn by our legislature but not much time passed until the legislature overrides the governor's veto.

Following this, Power, along with several other organizations, filed a lawsuit against the Secretary of State and others based on the congressional map because of the violation of section two of the Civil Rights Act. We immediately went to court and argued before the Middle District where the judge ordered the defendants to produce a map with a second majority-minority district. Not long after, the Supreme Court of the United States ordered a halt on our case until they heard and decided on the Allen v. Milligan case that came out of Alabama for very similar reasons regarding congressional districts. We waited four long months until we joined our brothers and sisters in Alabama to support them during oral arguments in front of the Supreme Court of the United States in October. We then had to wait for an additional eight months for the Supreme Court to release its opinion on the Allen v. Milligan case where the Supreme Court reaffirmed the legal framework that guides courts in evaluating challenges to redistricting plans under Section 2. This precedent allows Louisiana's arguments to proceed.

On June 8, 2023 the Supreme Court ruled in Allen v. Milligan in favor of Black voters who challenged Alabama’s 2021-enacted congressional map. "This was a huge win for voting rights, and with this legal precedent, we will continue to make fair representation possible in Louisiana," said Ashley K. Shelton, Founder and President Power Coalition for Equity and Justice.

On June 26, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted the temporary halt on the Robinson v Ardoin lawsuit, which had been paused in the Louisiana case. The Supreme Court’s order of lifting the temporary halt on the lawsuit allowed Louisiana's challenge to continue ahead of time for the 2024 congressional elections.

"I do feel optimistic we are going to realize a second (majority-Black) district through this process," said Ashley Shelton, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, one of the groups challenging the maps. "It's a huge victory for the people of Louisiana."

On October 6, 2024, we went back before the Fifth Circuit for Oral arguments in the Robinson v Ardoin lawsuit. On November 2, the court vacated the injunction and deemed a new map can and should be enacted for 2024.  The Lousiana Legislature will reconvene from January 15-23 to try and. pass a new map.  Black voters deserve to be heard in the electoral process, not to be packed into one district or diluted across several districts by a congressional map that reduces their political power. We are continuing this fight to ensure that all people in Louisiana have the same right to vote and participate in the electoral process. The goal is to fulfill the Voting Rights Act in Louisiana for all Louisianaians.

Power Coalition and partners will head to the capitol on January 16 for a Redistricting Mass Mobilization to make our power felt and our voices heard.

Power on the Line is a pro-democracy social movement for fair maps and equitable representation.

Upholding and affirming the Voting Rights Act is the greatest civil rights movement of our time. History is being made now, and we have a chance to be a part of it. In 1965 our grandparents fought to secure voting rights for racial minorities, especially those in the south. They worked long and hard to ensure that state and local government couldn't stop anyone from having their voice heard at the ballot box.

Today, 60 years later, we’re still fighting. You’ve been following the fight for fair maps here in Louisiana, but that fight spans beyond the borders of our boot. Across the south and throughout the nation other states are also fighting to hold the line, uphold democracy and sustain the values of justice and equity. This means we’re fighting today to stop voting discrimination. Not only are we fighting here in Louisiana, but we’re fighting in states like Alabama and North Carolina.

Power Coalition has joined the movement. There’s strength in numbers and when you look at our case, Robinson v. Ardoin, the need to uphold and reaffirm the Voting Rights Act is only made more clear when you see how many other states are fighting against the same things. Our voices need to be unified. We must stand together, loud and clear.

Pack the Court for the Robinson v. Ardoin Redistricting Court Case. Sign up at bit.ly/PacktheCourt

The remedial hearing for the Robinson v. Ardoin case was scheduled for Oct. 3-5, Tuesday through Thursday of this week, but was canceled last Thursday.

The originally scheduled oral argument before the Fifth Circuit will still take place THIS Friday, Oct. 6 at 600 Camp Street in New Orleans.

Additional Context-  The case – Robinson v. Ardoin has been on hold while the United States Supreme Court weighed its decision in Alabama’s Allen v. Milligan case, which was nearly identical to Louisiana’s. SCOTUS ruled 5-4 in the Allen v. Milligan case on June 8, 2022, that Alabama’s maps did violate Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which paved the way for Robinson v. Ardoin to proceed the state of Louisiana’s violation of the Voting Rights Act in regards to its Congressional map.

If you plan to attend on the 6th, please read the graphic below. Let's Pack the Courts this Friday!

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On June 26, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted the temporary halt on the Robinson v Ardoin lawsuit, which had been paused in the Louisiana case. This pause occurred while the court was examining a similar challenge concerning Alabama's congressional map. The Supreme Court’s order of lifting the temporary halt on the lawsuit will allow Louisiana's challenge to continue ahead of time for the 2024 congressional elections.

"I do feel optimistic we are going to realize a second (majority-Black) district through this process," said Ashley Shelton, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, one of the groups challenging the maps. "It's a huge victory for the people of Louisiana."

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On June 8, 2023 the Supreme Court ruled in Allen v. Milligan in favor of Black voters who challenged Alabama’s 2021-enacted congressional map.

This is a huge wins for voting rights and with this legal precedent, we will continue to make fair representation possible in Louisiana.” ~ Ashley K. Shelton, Founder and President Power Coalition for Equity and Justice

Thank you to all who stood in the fight. This is not the end but only the beginning💙

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What is Redistricting?

Redistricting is the process by which governments redraw political districts. It applies to all levels of government where district elections are held, including:
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Redistricting happens once every 10 years: Every year ending in ‘1’ (e.g., 2021), the Louisiana state legislature uses Census data collected the previous year (e.g., 2020) to redraw political maps.
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Political districts are supposed to accurately reflect how populations have changed statewide and locally over the past decade, and provide fair representation to each individual and group.
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There are three basic redistricting principles:
  1. Contiguity: Every district has to remain connected–they can’t “jump” from one place to another.
  2. Compactness: With few exceptions, districts shouldn’t be drawn in extremely odd shapes.
  3. Communities of Interest:This one can be very subjective, and is the most controversial. Generally, districts should try to keep populations that share interests--e.g., fishing communities--together as much as possible.

Why is Redistricting Important?

  • Redistricting plays a critical role in who runs for office, who is elected, and how they vote once they’re in office.
  • It’s one of the most important factors in determining who represents you and how they represent you.

who runs for office

who is elected

how they vote

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  • Your local, state, and federal elected representatives make decisions that impact your everyday life, like economic opportunity, healthcare, schools, roads, and so much more.
  • The makeup of a district can significantly influence how and whether
  • elected officials respond to a community’s needs.
  • Redistricting only happens once every 10 years, and the policy impact can last even longer. We can’t miss this chance to demand fair and representative districts.

How Does Redistricting Work?

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1

The Census Bureau collects population data once every decade, during years ending in ‘0’. That data is then sent to each state, which uses it to inform the redistricting process.
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2

The Louisiana legislature holds public meetings on redistricting. Those meetings are usually run by the two committees that oversee redistricting in the legislature-- House & Governmental Affairs (HGA) and Senate & Governmental Affairs (SGA).
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3

The state legislature relies on Census data, public input, and experts to draft district maps
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4

The House & Governmental Affairs (HGA) committee and Senate & Governmental Affairs (SGA) committee each hold hearings on proposed district maps. Any proposed map must be approved by a majority of the committee members in order to go to a vote on either the House or Senate floor.
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5

When either HGA or SGA pass a map, it goes to a vote on either the House or Senate floor. When a majority of each chamber then approves a map, the two different versions (House and Senate) must be reconciled to create a single map that needs to get approved by both chambers. The final map goes to the Governor’s desk to be signed or vetoed.
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6

Once the legislature agrees on a map, it is sent to the Governor who can approve or veto it. If the Governor and legislature can’t ultimately agree on a map, the State Supreme Court takes over the redistricting process

Who is Responsible for Redistricting?

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Louisiana Legislature

  • U.S. Congress
  • State Senate & House
  • State Supreme Court
  • Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)
  • Public Service Commission (PSC)
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Local Governments

  • City Council
  • Parish Council
  • Police Jury
  • Judicial
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