Supreme Court to Review Race-Based Voting Maps Under Law

Photo: Reuters

The U.S. Supreme Court has announced it will review an important part of a federal law called the Voting Rights Act. This law was made 60 years ago to stop racial discrimination in voting. The court's decision could change this law and affect how voting districts are drawn across the country. The Supreme Court has a conservative majority of 6 judges out of 9, which may lead to major changes.

The Case Involves Louisiana’s Voting Map

The case is about a new voting map made by Louisiana’s Republican leaders. This map increased the number of voting districts where most people are Black, from one district to two. The court will decide if this change is allowed under the U.S. Constitution. The question is whether states can create more districts with a majority of Black, Hispanic, or other minority voters to fix problems found by judges in earlier court cases.

Why Voting Districts Matter

Every ten years, states redraw the boundaries of their voting districts to reflect population changes. This process is called redistricting. The goal is to make sure each district has about the same number of people. But sometimes, race becomes a factor in drawing these lines. The Voting Rights Act allows certain protections for minorities to prevent their votes from being weakened by unfair district maps.

The Court’s Pending Decision Could Change Redistricting Rules

The Supreme Court has been considering this case since March but has not yet made a final decision. Now, they have asked more questions about whether creating districts based on race breaks the constitutional rule of “equal protection.” This rule says no person or group should be treated unfairly under the law. The court’s upcoming decision, expected by June 2026, could change how states use race in redistricting.

The Voting Rights Act’s Role and History

The Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965 during the civil rights movement. It aimed to stop racial discrimination in voting, especially in the southern states. One part of the law stops states from drawing maps that reduce the voting power of minorities. But the Supreme Court has already weakened parts of the Voting Rights Act. In 2013, it struck down a rule that required some states to get federal approval before changing voting laws. This new case could further limit protections for minority voters.

Why This Case Is Important Now

Experts say this case is very important because the current court is more conservative than the one in 2013. This means the court might take away more protections from the Voting Rights Act. Some worry this could make it harder for minorities to have fair representation in elections. The case also comes at a time when some political leaders are trying to reduce programs that support minorities and promote fairness.

Who Is Challenging the Voting Map?

In this case, a group of 12 voters in Louisiana, who describe themselves as “non-African American,” are suing to stop the new map. They say the map treats race as too important in drawing district lines, which they claim is against the Constitution. The state government and civil rights groups want to keep the map because it helps protect Black voters’ rights. Black people make up about one-third of Louisiana’s population.

The Arguments Made in Court

During the first court hearing in March, Louisiana lawyers said that race was not the main reason for drawing the map the way they did. They argued that protecting current Republican lawmakers was also important. The Republican leaders want to keep their seats in Congress, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Steve Scalise, who both represent districts in Louisiana.

The Lower Court’s Decision and Its Impact

A federal judge, Shelly Dick, ruled in 2022 that the previous map, which had only one majority-Black district, hurt Black voters. She ordered the legislature to add a second majority-Black district. The Supreme Court allowed this order to stay in place for the 2024 elections. But recently, a smaller court panel said the new map relies too much on race, which might violate the Constitution’s equal protection rule.

The Constitutional Issue at the Heart of the Case

The case focuses on the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. This amendment was added to the Constitution in 1868 after the Civil War. It promises that all people will have equal protection under the law. The question is whether using race to draw voting districts is fair or if it unfairly treats some voters differently.

What Happens Next?

The Supreme Court will hear full arguments in its next session starting in October 2025. A final ruling is expected by June 2026. The decision could change how states draw voting districts and how the Voting Rights Act is applied. Many people are watching this case closely because it could affect voting rights and political power for minorities across the country.

The U.S. Supreme Court is about to decide on an important voting rights case from Louisiana. The issue is whether states can create voting districts where most voters are from minority groups to fix past discrimination. This case challenges part of the Voting Rights Act, a law made to protect minority voters. The court’s decision could change election maps and voting protections nationwide, affecting the balance of political power. The case raises important questions about race, fairness, and the Constitution.