Now that the state legislature has approved redistricting maps he finds lacking, Governor John Bel Edwards is beginning to weigh his options.
In a special session the Republican-dominated legislature redrew boundary lines for congressional seats, the House and Senate, the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Public Service Commission and government entities that require elections.
Edwards said he does not believe the legislature did what the law requires and that the districts do not reflect the current democratic makeup in the state. He added that the congressional map does not comply with the Voting Rights Act.
Edwards and voting rights activists say the new census numbers show a second majority-African American district is needed.
As part of Edwards’ decision-making process is whether he would be able to get enough support from legislators to block an override of a veto if he ends up vetoing any of the maps.
Edwards said a third of the state is African American and in just in the last 10 years the percentage of African Americans actually increased in Louisiana, but the new maps don’t reflect any increase anywhere.
Voting rights groups are expected to challenge the maps in court if they become law.
