Story perspectives

Court Limits Voting Rights Act, Southern Governors Push New Maps

5/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision held that Section 2 of Voting Rights Act not require states to draw districts let minority voters elect candidates.
Governor Bill Lee called a session to adopt a map approved by lawmakers that splits Shelby County into districts before the Aug 6 primary.
Governors in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia announced redistricting plans, prompting scholars to warn the ruling could curb minority influence in races.

History

Historical Context

In 2013 the Supreme Court struck down the Voting Rights Act’s coverage formula in Shelby County v. Holder by a 5-4 vote, ending federal preclearance for jurisdictions with historic discrimination. The Court’s 2026 Louisiana v. Callais decision further reduced federal oversight of voting changes, prompting renewed alarm from civil-rights groups such as the NAACP.

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Story summary

Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision held that Section 2 of Voting Rights Act not require states to draw districts let minority voters elect candidates.
Governor Bill Lee called a session to adopt a map approved by lawmakers that splits Shelby County into districts before the Aug 6 primary.
Governors in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia announced redistricting plans, prompting scholars to warn the ruling could curb minority influence in races.

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