Global Courant
The Supreme Court has lifted its hold on a Louisiana case that could force the state to redistrict congressional districts to boost black voting rights
A general view of the U.S. Supreme Court, Friday, June 23, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)
The associated press
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Monday lifted its hold on a Louisiana case that could force the state to reorganize congressional districts to increase black voting rights.
The order follows the court’s rejection earlier in June of a congressional redistribution map in Alabama and freezes the Louisiana case, which had been suspended pending the decision in Alabama.
In both states, black voters form a majority in only one congressional district. Lower courts had ruled that the cards raised concerns that Black voting rights had been diluted, in violation of the landmark federal Voting Rights Act.
The judges put the Louisiana case on hold and allowed the state’s disputed map to be used in last year’s election after agreeing to hear the Alabama case.
The case was appealed separately to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. The judges said the appeal can now move forward to next year’s congressional elections.
