GRA Supports Decision in Georgia Redistricting Trial
ATLANTA, GA - October 26, 2023 - Today, the Georgia Redistricting Alliance, a workgroup of ProGeorgia, released the following statement in support of U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones’ decision in Georgia’s redistricting trial that current Georgia voting district maps dilute the power of black voters and violate the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The maps must be redrawn before the 2024 elections.
"Today’s ruling is a win for not just Georgia but for the integrity of voting rights protections that advocates have fought to protect for decades. In 2021, we and several advocates voiced concerns about the fairness of Georgia’s congressional maps. Despite being positioned as fair, the 2021 redistricting process lacked transparency and equal input from voters of color, resulting in finalized maps that dilute the power of communities of color - particularly Black communities - across the state.
As we look ahead to 2023 municipal and 2024 elections, we and voters across the state look forward to contributing substantive input in the process of redrawing district maps that include fair representation. The redistricting process is designed to be collaborative, transparent, and, most importantly, accurate. We urge legislators to use this opportunity to uplift the voices of communities of color and accurately capture Georgia’s bustling diversity.
We celebrate this win for voters of color, and more broadly, democracy. However, consistent attacks on democracy and underrepresented groups remind us that our fight is far from over. We must continue to advocate for policies and reforms at the federal, state and local levels that protect voting rights for these groups and strengthen an inclusive democratic process. "
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About ProGeorgia
ProGeorgia is a coalition of 61 nonprofit organizations committed to ensuring that every Georgian can fully participate in our democracy. A member of the State Voices network, ProGeorgia focuses on bringing greater equity to our state by engaging underrepresented and socially responsible voters in the democratic process and establishing collection action around issues such as voting rights, quality and affordable health care, economic justice, civil rights, and improving public education.
Staffed by ProGeorgia, the Georgia Redistricting Alliance is a coalition of organizations who believe that queer/trans BIPOC community should be at the forefront of the fight to protect our voting power and are preparing OUR communities to lead redistricting in 2023 and beyond.
