MISSISSIPPI REDISTRICTING IS UNDERWAY

Mississippi’s redistricting process is underway — and communities across the state have an opportunity to make their voices heard.On Tuesday, August 18, the Mississippi Joint Committee on Reapportionment and Redistricting held the first of eight public hearings in Tupelo, beginning a series of hearings across the state that will continue through September 24.If you were unable to attend the Tupelo hearing, you can watch the full hearing and hear directly from the committee and community members who participated.

WATCH THE FULL TUPELO REDISTRICTING HEARING

So, what exactly is redistricting?

Redistricting is the process of redrawing the boundaries that determine which communities are represented together in legislative and congressional districts. Those lines can shape political representation and influence whose voices are heard in government for years to come.For MS BWR, this moment is especially important because of what redistricting can mean for Black communities, Black voters and Black political representation across Mississippi.In April, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Louisiana v. Callais that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act did not require Louisiana to create an additional majority-minority congressional district under the circumstances of that case, and the Court struck down the map because race was used without sufficient constitutional justification. The ruling leaves Section 2 in place, but underscores that majority-minority districts are required only when the legal conditions for a Section 2 violation are met.For MS BWR, this makes it even more important for Black communities to stay informed, participate in Mississippi’s process and speak clearly about how proposed district lines may affect representation, voting strength and Black political power.

Seven hearings remain.

Following the first hearing in Tupelo, public hearings will continue in:

• Senatobia — August 27Cleveland — September 1Natchez — September 8Meridian — September 10Hattiesburg — September 17Gulfport/Biloxi — September 22Jackson — September 24

These hearings provide an opportunity for Mississippians to participate in the process, share their experiences and make sure decision-makers hear directly from the communities that will be affected by the lines they draw.

Next Stop: Senatobia

The next public hearing will take place:Thursday, August 276:00 PM CTNorthwest Mississippi Community College

Harraway Center152 Alumni DriveSenatobia, MS 38668Over the coming weeks, MS BWR will continue sharing information about:

• Where and when the remaining hearings are taking placeHow you can participateWhat to expect if you attendHow to prepare if you would like to provide public commentWhat happens during the redistricting processWhat we are hearing as the process moves across Mississippi

Our goal is simple: to make sure our communities have the information they need to understand what is happening, why it matters and how they can participate.Missed the first hearing? Watch the full Tupelo hearing on YouTube, then make a plan to participate when the redistricting process comes to your region.