Voters Sue for Fair Maps in Louisiana
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In light of the release of new census data today, voters in Louisiana are suing their state for new, fair congressional district maps before the next election cycle. The new data reflects a decade of demographic and population shifts that make the current maps outdated and constitutionally malapportioned. As such, the plaintiffs are asking the court to permanently stop the use of the current maps and to establish new maps in time for the next election. The suit is one of three filed across various states today.
Although the Louisiana Legislature is tasked with drawing new redistricting maps, there is almost no chance the current body will be able to implement a new map in time for the 2022 elections. The Legislature is controlled by Republicans but the state’s governor is a Democrat, making agreement on any new map very unlikely. As such, it is the court’s role to step in and ensure a new map is in place before the next time voters head to the polls — otherwise, Louisiana voters will be forced to vote in unconstitutionally malapportioned districts.
The suit challenges Louisiana’s congressional districts, which are used to elect representatives to the U.S. House. The plaintiffs are a group of voters from the state who intend to support Democrats in 2022.