How Redistricting Undermines the Voices of Black Voters

Black voices in Indiana face a critical threat as the Trump administration pushes for an early redrawing of Congressional districts, echoing similar moves seen in Texas. The U.S. Constitution clearly stipulates that a census is to be conducted every ten years, aimed at ensuring fair representation based on population shifts. Indiana’s current structure includes nine Congressional districts – two Democratic and seven Republican – with Trump seeking to distort this balance, particularly targeting districts with significant minority populations. As Dean of the Indiana delegation and the sole Black Congressman from the state, I stand with my colleague Congressman Frank Mrvan, whose district represents a vibrant Black community. Such mid-decade redistricting unfairly undermines the electoral choices of Black and Brown voters, equating to a modern denial of voting rights reminiscent of the Jim Crow era. Our voices, thanks to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, must be defended against this power grab. Mobilization is essential; we must make our dissent clear as the state prepares for deliberations on this pressing issue.