Louisiana postpones primaries as states rush to redraw districts after supreme court ruling
Louisiana has postponed its May primaries after a recent Supreme Court ruling weakened the Voting Rights Act, prompting several southern states to reconsider congressional district maps. Governors in Republican-controlled states, including Florida and Mississippi, have called special sessions to redraw districts, with concerns that the changes could reduce Black voting power. The redistricting efforts come amid broader national controversy over gerrymandering and voting rights ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
- ▪Louisiana postponed its May 16 primary due to a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated key protections of the Voting Rights Act.
- ▪Florida's legislature, under Governor Ron DeSantis, passed new congressional maps giving Republicans an advantage in 24 of 28 House seats.
- ▪Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves announced a special legislative session to address redistricting following the Supreme Court decision.
- ▪The redistricting moves come amid ongoing legal and political battles over racial representation and gerrymandering in several southern states.
- ▪Redistricting typically occurs every ten years after the census, but mid-decade changes have been triggered by political actions and court rulings.
- ▪Voting rights advocates warn that the recent court decision and subsequent map changes could disproportionately impact Black voters.
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A rally outside the US Capitol on 18 March 2026 in Washington DC. Photograph: Heather Diehl/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenA rally outside the US Capitol on 18 March 2026 in Washington DC. Photograph: Heather Diehl/Getty ImagesThe fight for democracyUS voting rightsLouisiana postpones primaries as states rush to redraw districts after supreme court ruling More governors call for special sessions following supreme court’s decision severely weakening Voting Rights ActThe fight for democracy is supported byAbout this contentAdria R Walker in Jackson, MississippiThu 30 Apr 2026 14.04 EDTFirst published on Thu 30 Apr 2026 07.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleLouisiana moved to postpone its May primaries on Thursday in a move that came as other southern states are also scrambling to…
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