SCOTUS Clears the Way for Freewheeling Gerrymander!

With many commentators dubbing it ‘the return of Jim Crow,’ the damage stemming from the recent Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais is severe.

Andrew Walchuk, Common Cause Ohio policy director, summarized the essential points and outcomes as part of the "Coffee with Common Cause" call, May 14. Two days earlier, his overview had laid the groundwork for a deeper discussion, in a webinar presented by ten of Ohio’s leading civil and voting rights organizations. Time permitting, the full webinar is here. Time limited, Walchuk’s 5-minute overview leads off the program and is worth a watch.

Callais essentially is the death knell for the Voting Rights Act. It requires plaintiffs to prove intent to racially discriminate in the present instance. Partisan gerrymandering is also allowed, though its intent is easier to prove in court. To sum up: Congressional action is needed, now more than ever. 

For a long but historically accurate read on the topic, it’s Heather Cox Richardson, of course!

Go here to send Common Cause’s ‘Ban Partisan Gerrymandering’ message to your representatives.

Check reports from NoKings coalition actions in the US, in Selma and in other cities/states most impacted by Callais.