Community Groups Across Texas and the South Are Mobilizing After Concerns Over Congressional Redistricting and Black Voter Representation
While the dust is settling in the aftermath of the recent SCOTUS decision in Louisiana vs. Callais, many voters appear confused fatigued, and shocked by the ruling and its aftereffects.
Responses from multiple state legislatures have resulted in the gerrymandering of their state’s congressional maps to their benefit, resulting in the GOP tactics of “packing and cracking” majority Black congressional districts, leading to erasures of majority – minority districts and denying Black voters the opportunities to elect their candidate of choice.
This will lead to the erasure of Black representation in the halls of Congress and mirrors the tactics and the mission of the “Old South.” The ruling has also seemingly “legitimized” voter suppression and racial discrimination.
What choices will black voters have, as well as anyone else who happens to disagree with the current political climate and the establishment of political power in a single party? How will some voters handle the overall negative impact on access to the ballot box?
Will the opportunities to vote disappear, or can voters expect fair representation?
As we reflect on the history of the Civil Rights movement, it should be noted that people from different backgrounds, ethnic groups, ages, and educational levels came together to confront an unfair system and force changes to it. The movement slowly inched forward towards equality, expanding opportunities, and now the same opportunity exists in the history of this democracy.
Presently, the opportunity to address the changes in the political climate, from the local arena to the state level, and nationally, is available. Once supporters of civic engagement, community-based organizations, resistance movements, and historically active
organizations find common ground, their efforts become more effective and results-oriented.
We acknowledge the effectiveness of NO KINGS rallies, the voices of the ACLU, Common Cause, BlackVoters Matter, the Democracy Docket, the Brennan Center, and Swing Left, which reverberate in all of our communities.
Over this past week, I participated in a conference online, with Common Cause representatives from Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. We discussed the effects of Louisiana v. Callais, which has also affected voting activities. All participants were able to stress-test plans to be implemented in their respective locations. These included voters being able to join Election Protection groups, get involved in local protests, support the Voting Rights Act, and communicate with their state legislators.
Locally, we have a variety of community-oriented organizations urging voters to get out and vote, including The Power of One, the Northeast Democrats, Concerned Citizens In Action, and the Black Independent Voters Association, whose missions are to increase voter turnout and educate voters about what’s on the ballot.
Getting organized is the first step toward increasing voter awareness and forming alliances that will lead to higher voter turnout.
This sends an important message: Our Votes Will Not Be Erased.
