Voting Rights Act ruling is ‘red meat’ to Republicans in south, says Black lawmaker targeted by gerrymander
Summary
The Supreme Court’s recent decision limiting the Voting Rights Act has led to Republican lawmakers in Mississippi targeting Congressman Bennie Thompson by threatening to redraw his district boundaries. Thompson, the state’s only Black Democratic representative, says this move could reduce voter representation for Black citizens in his district.Key Facts
- The Supreme Court ruling weakens protections in the Voting Rights Act, especially Section 2.
- Republicans in Mississippi want to redraw the second congressional district to harm Bennie Thompson’s chances of reelection.
- Thompson has represented his district since 1993, and the district covers nearly 300 miles with limited public transport.
- Black voters in Mississippi were historically disenfranchised through practices like literacy tests and poll taxes.
- The Voting Rights Act of 1965 helped increase Black voting rights and political representation in Mississippi.
- Mississippi currently has about 38% Black population, the highest percentage in the US.
- Thompson says the new court ruling could allow voter suppression and less fair elections.
- State officials running for governor have publicly called for redistricting that targets Thompson’s district.
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