Issued: March 11, 2022
We are grateful to Governor John Bel Edwards for vetoing the racially discriminatory Congressional map passed by the state legislature. Based on the 2020 Census data, African Americans make up a third of Louisiana’s population. Yet despite countless Louisianans and multiple civil rights organizations calling for fair and equitable representation throughout the entire redistricting process, the state legislature still attempted to pass maps that failed to increase the opportunity for fair representation. Governor Edwards’ veto was necessary to ensure that the Congressional districts in place for the next decade reflect Louisiana’s diverse communities.
However, we are discouraged that Governor Edwards did not take similar action to veto the maps passed for the State House of Representatives, State Senate, and Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). These maps place voters of color into limited districts which is a violation of the Voting Rights Act.
The Urban League of Louisiana remains committed to the cause of civil rights and parity for all residents of Louisiana. We are hopeful that Governor Edwards’ veto of the Congressional maps will spark the Legislature to pass a new map that complies with federal law and principles of fairness. We will continue to work to ensure that Governor Edwards’ veto is sustained and urge him and his administration to support the efforts for fair and equitable maps.
