"Courts Uphold Voting Rights Act Precedent, Rejecting State's Attempts to Undermine Equal Representation"
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has denied a request by Louisiana Republicans to rehear a case that could have affected redistricting and precedent under the Voting Rights Act. The case, Ardoin v. Robinson, involves a lawsuit filed on behalf of Black voters challenging Louisiana's congressional map. The Republicans sought to challenge the ability of private parties to bring claims under Section 2 of the VRA. The denial means that the decision will not be reheard, preserving the ability of private groups and voters to bring claims under Section 2 in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Louisiana now has until January 30 to adopt a new congressional map.