Supreme Court Weighs Louisiana Redistricting Under Voting Rights Act

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Monday in Louisiana v. Callais, a pivotal case concerning the state's congressional redistricting and its implications for the Voting Rights Act. Louisiana's population is about 30% Black, but the state legislature initially drew a map with only one majority-Black district out of six. After losing in lower courts, Louisiana created a new map with two majority-Black districts, yet conservative justices expressed skepticism about its constitutionality. The case raises concerns not only about the specific redistricting but also about the future of the Voting Rights Act itself, as justices questioned whether its protections against racial gerrymandering remain necessary. The outcome could significantly affect minority electoral power and set a precedent for similar cases nationwide. Both political and racial dimensions of the case were highlighted, with the court's conservative majority indicating a potential departure from recent precedents protecting minority voting rights.