This article is part of the Democracy Watch ‘26 series, a Democracy Works initiative breaking down the voting news, court decisions, and key elections that voters should know ahead of the November midterm elections. Today’s #DW26 update examines the effects of the US Supreme Court’s recent decision in Louisiana v. Callais. Please note that this situation is evolving quickly; the information below is current as of publication on May 14.
With less than six months to go until November’s general election, congressional maps are continuing to shift. Last month, the US Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in Louisiana v. Callais, and subsequent rulings—including its May 11 decision allowing Alabama to redraw its map—have accelerated redistricting efforts across the country
In a 6-3 ruling, the Court struck down Louisiana’s congressional map—which was redrawn in 2024 to include two majority-Black districts instead of one—as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. The majority found that Louisiana was not required by Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, a provision that prohibits racial discrimination in voting procedures, to add a second majority-Black district. The challenge to the 2024 map was initiated by a group of “non-African-American” voters, who claimed that the redrawn map discriminated against them.
In response to the decision, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry suspended the state’s primary elections for the US House of Representatives and encouraged the state legislature to enact a new map ahead of this year’s midterm elections, which they are set to vote on Thursday.
Here’s What You Should Know:
The Supreme Court’s ruling is the latest turn in a nationwide clash over mid-decade redistricting. Prior to Callais, eight states implemented new congressional maps voluntarily or due to legal requirements, and others are now following suit.
The Callais decision could reshape how courts interpret Section 2, changing the redistricting calculus in several states. The majority opinion held that Section 2 violations require “a strong inference that intentional [racial] discrimination occurred.” Because racial and partisan gerrymandering often look similar in practice, dissenting justices argued that this standard weakens Section 2 by obliging states to “do nothing more than announce a partisan gerrymander” to evade liability for racial discrimination.
In response to Callais, several states are now moving forward with redistricting. During a special session on redistricting, the Tennessee General Assembly enacted a new congressional map on May 7. On May 11, the US Supreme Court lifted an injunction that prevented Alabama from redrawing its congressional map, allowing the state to proceed with redistricting plans. Meanwhile, efforts to implement new congressional districts in South Carolina have stalled, while Mississippi and Georgia’s governors have each signaled plans to bring new maps into effect after the midterms.
Redistricting processes will affect upcoming primary elections in these states. Alabama is holding its May 19 primary as scheduled, though it will conduct a special primary on August 11 for the 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 7th congressional districts. In Tennessee, the August 6 primary will proceed using the newly adopted district lines. As a voter, it’s important to stay tuned for additional developments, especially if you live in a state where congressional districts have shifted or may shift in the future.
Here’s What You Can Do:
- If you live in Louisiana, primary elections for the US House have been suspended until further notice. However, you can still vote for all other offices and ballot measures in the May 16 Louisiana Constitutional Amendment and Primary Election.
- If you live in Alabama or Tennessee, your congressional district may have changed due to redistricting. Alabama has called an August 11 special primary for the 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 7th congressional districts, but you can still vote for all other offices and ballot measures in the May 19 Alabama Primary Election. The Tennessee Primary Election is on August 6.
- Keep in mind that additional redistricting changes are possible due to state legislation or litigation. Pay attention to developments that could change primary election dates or your congressional district.
- Sign up for TurboVote Election Reminders for up-to-date information about elections in your community, and use TurboVote’s Sample Ballot to see what’s on your ballot.
- TurboVote can help you check your registration status to verify that you’re registered at your current address and registered in the correct district for your place of residence.
Democracy Works is committed to helping you vote with confidence this year. Get the information you need to vote, all in one place, at turbovote.org. And subscribe to our newsletter for more #DW26 updates delivered to your inbox.
