Southern States Adjust Election Plans Amid Voting Map Changes
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Several Southern states are adjusting their primary election schedules and procedures following court orders and legislative actions to redraw congressional and judicial voting maps. Louisiana has suspended its congressional primaries, while Alabama and Mississippi are preparing for special sessions to address redistricting. Early voting and mail ballots are proceeding in some states, but votes in affected races may not be counted.
Facts First
- Louisiana suspended its congressional primaries after the governor declared an emergency to allow for a new map.
- Alabama lawmakers passed legislation on Friday allowing for a do-over of its congressional primaries.
- A federal court ordered Mississippi to redraw its state Supreme Court districts, prompting a special legislative session.
- Early voting in Louisiana began on May 2, with nearly 179,000 primary ballots cast as of Friday.
- South Carolina's Elections Commission reported sending over 6,800 mail ballots for its June 9 congressional primaries.
What Happened
Following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last month that weakened the Voting Rights Act, several Southern states are taking action on voting maps. Louisiana's Republican governor suspended congressional primaries to allow lawmakers to draw a new map. Early voting in Louisiana began on May 2, and as of Friday, nearly 179,000 primary ballots had been cast. Votes cast in U.S. House races in Louisiana will not be counted due to the map changes. Alabama's primary will proceed using old districts, but Alabama lawmakers passed legislation allowing for a do-over of congressional primaries. Additionally, a federal court ordered Mississippi to redraw its state Supreme Court districts, and a special session of the Mississippi Legislature is set for May 20.
Why this Matters to You
If you are a voter in one of these states, your voting process may be disrupted. In Louisiana, your vote in a congressional race may not be counted in the upcoming primary. You may need to participate in a second primary election in Alabama if new districts are drawn. In Mississippi, your representation in state Supreme Court districts could change. These adjustments may lead to confusion about where and when to vote, and could increase election administration costs, which are funded by public money. For example, holding a separate election for congressional primaries in South Carolina could cost $3 million.
What's Next
Louisiana's primary is scheduled for Saturday, but votes for U.S. House races will not be counted. Alabama's primary using old districts is scheduled for May 19, with the possibility of a do-over primary later. Mississippi's special legislative session to redraw state Supreme Court districts is set for May 20. Tennessee's congressional primaries are scheduled for August 6, and a rally was held there against a special session to redraw U.S. Congressional maps. South Carolina's congressional primaries are scheduled for June 9, with mail ballots already being sent and returned.