Governors in South Carolina, Georgia, and Mississippi are taking steps to address electoral map redistricting in their states, reflecting a broader trend in the South following changes to federal voting rights legislation.

Context

The recent dismantling of the Voting Rights Act by the U.S. Supreme Court has prompted several southern states to reconsider their electoral maps, leading to special sessions called by governors to address these changes.S2S3

Key points

• South Carolina's Governor Henry McMaster plans a special session to redraw House maps.S1

• Georgia's Governor Brian Kemp has called for a special session to revise electoral maps.S2

• Mississippi's Governor Tate Reeves canceled a session for state supreme court maps but anticipates redrawing congressional districts.S3

• The actions in these states are part of a broader response to the Supreme Court's decision affecting voting rights.S2

• Redistricting efforts are often contentious and can significantly impact electoral outcomes.S1S2

• Governors are focusing on enacting, revising, or amending district lines during these sessions.S2

• The redistricting process is seen as a way to consolidate political power for the ruling parties in these states.S1S3

• The special sessions are expected to draw attention from various political and civil rights groups.S2

Why it matters

• Redistricting can influence political representation and voter access in southern states.S1S2

• Changes to electoral maps may affect the balance of power in Congress and state legislatures.S1S3

• The outcomes of these sessions could set precedents for future redistricting efforts across the U.S.S2

What to watch

• Monitor the outcomes of the special sessions in South Carolina and Georgia for potential legal challenges.S1S2

• Watch for reactions from civil rights organizations regarding the redistricting processes.S2

• Keep an eye on Mississippi's plans for congressional district redrawing as the 2027 elections approach.S3