A federal appeals court is weighing the future of Georgia’s new district lines for Congress and the state legislature after hearing oral arguments Thursday in a long-running case that could have sweeping implications for the federal Voting Rights Act.
When state lawmakers drew new maps after the 2020 census, several voters, civic and religious groups sued, arguing the maps illegally diluted Black voting power. In 2023, a federal judge agreed, ordering new maps with new majority-Black districts.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger appealed that decision, even as updated maps took effect. The appeal focuses on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits voting practices that discriminate by race, color or language.
Read this story now for free
To continue reading, sign up for our newsletter and get unlimited access to WABE.org
You can select your preferences for news and local content. We will never share your email address. Learn how your newsletter sign-up will support WABE and Public Media
