Appeals court hears case that could dilute Black voters’ power in Louisiana
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Fifth circuit, seen as primed for the Maga era, hears arguments challenging state’s newly created maps. A federal appeals court heard arguments Tuesday in a case that could further erode voting rights protecting minority voters or solidify that Louisiana’s legislative maps diluted Black voters’ power.
The fifth circuit court of appeals, which hears cases brought for appeal from Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, will weigh in on Nairne v Landry, a case in which a federal judge in Louisiana ruled the Republican-controlled legislature had violated section 2 of the Voting Rights Act with its newly created maps.
Section 2 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race in voting processes and ensures electoral procedures are “equally open to participation” for people regardless of race. When states redistrict every 10 years, they often face legal challenges for hindering the voices of minority voters.
In Nairne v Landry, the plaintiffs successfully argued that Black voters in Louisiana’s political power was diluted and they were not able to elect candidates they wanted outside of a small number of districts that packed in Black voters. Louisiana’s maps have been the subject of multiple lawsuits since they were finalized.
“Our win in the district court was a testament to our fight for fairness and inclusion in Louisiana’s political process,” plaintiff Dorothy Nairne said in a press release. “I know I speak not only for myself and the other plaintiffs, but also for so many Black community members across this state, when I say that new representation at our State Capitol would give us hope for justice.”.
