Judicial Gerrymandering? The Voting Rights Act, Judicial Elections, and Redistricting

On May 2, ACS held a call reviewing Voting Rights Act jurisprudence as it relates to judicial elections, in light of recent events. In recent weeks, the North Carolina General Assembly has proposed redrawing the map of the state's District and Superior courts. Analysis of one proposed new map found it to be a racial and partisan gerrymander, with significant population deviations. The changes would “double-bunk” incumbent judges, reducing the number of judges of color in the state. The call discusses the status of recent litigation challenging judicial districts under the VRA, such as Terrebonne Parish NAACP v. Jindal, and Alabama NAACP v. Alabama. Panelists underscore the importance of a diverse judiciary and independent state courts and how judicial redistricting can promote or undermine those aims.

Featuring:

• Leah Aden, Senior Counsel, NAACP-LDF
• Kareem Crayton, Executive Director, Southern Coalition for Social Justice
• David Lyle, Senior Counsel for Strategic Engagement, ACS, Moderator
• Ezra Rosenberg, Co-Director, Voting Rights Project, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law