Rep. Troy Carter says changes to voting maps across the country are raising serious concerns about Black representation.
During a conversation with the Black Information Network's Vanessa Tyler at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 55th Annual Legislative Conference, the Louisiana Democrat discussed redistricting, voter participation and some of the major issues affecting Black communities.
Carter addressed the impact of Louisiana v. Callais, the Supreme Court case that centered on Louisiana's congressional map. In April, the court ruled that the state's creation of a second Black-opportunity congressional district was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.
Louisiana lawmakers subsequently approved a new congressional map with one Black-opportunity district instead of two. The decision has also prompted broader questions about how race can be considered when congressional districts are drawn.
Carter criticized the ruling, arguing that it could allow lawmakers to discriminate against Black voters while claiming they are making decisions based on partisan considerations.
Despite his concerns about redistricting, Carter emphasized voter participation and argued that high turnout remains one of the most important ways communities can exercise political power.
Carter also highlighted conversations happening throughout ALC on issues including artificial intelligence, infrastructure and the physical and emotional health of Black men.
Listen to the full conversation below!
For more of our interviews from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 55th Annual Legislative Conference, check out Our Voices!
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