Louisiana has reversed its stance on a political map that led to the election of two Black members of Congress.The state is now urging the Supreme Court to disregard race as a factor in redistricting, a move that could considerably alter the Voting Rights Act [[2]].

In a bid to appeal to the conservative-leaning court, Louisiana is arguing for a position that might allow it and other Republican-led Southern states to redraw maps, potentially eliminating the majority of Black districts, which have historically been Democratic strongholds. Voting rights experts suggest this could lead to a less representative Congress.

UCLA law professor Richard Hasen stated, “If Louisiana’s argument prevailed at the Supreme Court, it would almost certainly lead to a whiter and less representative Congress, as well as significantly less minority representation across the country in legislatures, city councils, and across other district-based bodies.”

The state’s filing came in response to the Supreme Court’s request for additional arguments in the Louisiana case, initially heard earlier in the year. Arguments are scheduled for oct. 15.

“Race-based redistricting is fundamentally contrary to our Constitution,” wrote Louisiana attorney General Elizabeth Murrill.

Groups advocating for voting rights are urging the court to reject the state’s challenge.

Redistricting Case History

A second round of arguments before the Supreme Court is uncommon and sometimes signals a potential shift in the court’s stance. The Citizens united decision in 2010, which resulted in a surge of independent spending in U.S. elections, followed a similar second argument.

“Race-based redistricting is fundamentally contrary to our Constitution,”
Louisiana Attorney General Elizabeth Murrill wrote.

During the initial hearing of the Louisiana case in March, some conservative justices indicated they might vote to invalidate the map, potentially making it more difficult to pursue redistricting lawsuits under the Voting Rights Act.

The case centers on the complex relationship between race and politics in the creation of political boundaries.

Two years prior, the court, in a 5-4 decision, upheld a ruling that found a likely violation of the Voting Rights Act in a similar case involving Alabama’s congressional map. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh sided with their more liberal colleagues.

That decision resulted in new districts in both states, leading to the election of