In April, a panel of three judges in the Western District of Louisiana sided with Callais, barring the state from using the revised map for upcoming elections. The panel stated that the state could have met its redistricting goals without relying predominantly on race to draw district lines. However, the Supreme Court allowed Louisiana to use the disputed map for the 2024 election cycle in a 6-3 decision.
la election map justice review : Appeals and Supreme Court Review
The Power Coalition and other Black voters argued that Louisiana’s revised map should stand, as it complies with the VRA’s intent and respects the state’s discretion in correcting unconstitutional maps. They also contended that the district court’s ruling restricted Louisiana’s ability to address voter dilution claims, creating an unwarranted barrier to VRA compliance. Louisiana’s current Secretary of State Nancy Landry joined the defense, emphasizing the importance of finalizing election policies well in advance, as established in Purcell v. Gonzalez.
