Republicans in the state violated a landmark civil rights law in drawing maps that diluted the power of Black voters, a federal judge in Atlanta ruled.
Republicans in Georgia violated a landmark civil rights law in drawing voting maps that diluted the power of Black voters, a federal judge in Atlanta ruled on Thursday, ordering that new maps must be drawn in time for the 2024 elections.
Judge Steve C. Jones of the Northern District of Georgia demanded that the state’s legislature move swiftly to sketch out congressional and General Assembly districts that provide an equitable level of representation for Black residents, who make up more than a third of the state’s population.
In the ruling, Judge Jones wrote that the court “will not allow another election cycle on redistricting plans” that had been found to be unlawful.
Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, responded on Thursday by calling a special session of the Georgia General Assembly that will begin on Nov. 29, giving lawmakers 10 days to meet a Dec. 8 deadline set by Judge Jones.
The timeline, Judge Jones wrote, ensures that “if an acceptable remedy is not produced, there will be time for the court to fashion one.”
Georgia is one of several Southern states where Republicans are defending congressional maps that federal judges have said appear to discriminate against Black voters. Republican officials assailed the ruling; Josh McKoon, the state party chairman, described it in a statement as a “naked power grab.”