Federal judge denies attempt to strike down Mississippi county’s majority-Black judicial districts
Summary
A federal judge has denied a request to stop Mississippi’s creation of majority-Black voting districts for judgeships shortly before an upcoming election. The lawsuit claims these districts violate voting rights laws, but the judge said it is too close to the election for changes to the district lines.Key Facts
- The lawsuit was filed by Robert Foster, a DeSoto County supervisor and former Republican candidate for governor.
- Foster and others argue the new majority-Black judicial subdistricts violate the Voting Rights Act.
- The lawsuit follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that limited protections for minority voters in district drawing.
- U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock ruled that changing district lines close to the election would be improper.
- Mississippi’s Legislature added judicial seats that must be elected from majority-Black subdistricts within larger districts.
- The lawsuit targets the State Board of Election Commissioners, including Governor Tate Reeves and other Republican officials.
- The judge allowed the case to continue, meaning further evidence and arguments can be presented before a final decision.
- The judge’s order only delays action to change the districts but does not stop the lawsuit itself.
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