1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16KvbT1r7a/ https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1B7VWGCsUM/ https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FbLgJWtgH/ Redistricting and Voter Disenfranchisement What Texans do not need are new unfair maps that disenfranchise Black and Brown voters. The current agenda item seeking a revised congressional redistricting plan, citing "constitutional concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Justice," is deeply troubling. The Department of Justice's argument that districts with a minority majority should be considered "racial gerrymandering" fundamentally misunderstands and misapplies the concept. Racial gerrymandering, in reality, is the drawing of district lines to prevent racial minorities from electing their preferred candidates, thereby diluting their voting power. National Republicans are reportedly targeting four specific districts with lower economic status, younger average voters, and higher percentages of minority voters in Texas: TX-9, currently represented by Al Green, has a population that is approximately 39.3% Hispanic, 35.8% Black, and 12.4% White. TX-18, an open seat previously held by Sylvester Turner, has a population that is approximately 43.4% Hispanic, 32.2% Black, and 16.7% White. TX-29, represented by Sylvia Garcia, has a population that is approximately 74.5% Hispanic, 13.2% Black, and 8.3% White. TX-33, represented by Marc Veasey, has a population that is approximately 57.6% Hispanic, 18.6% Black, and 13.2% White. These districts largely reflect the diverse and growing populations of Texas. Attempts to redraw these maps based on a flawed interpretation of "racial gerrymandering" are nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to fortify a slim majority in the U.S. House by carving out more GOP seats in Texas. This would inevitably reduce D.C. representation for all Texas Democrats and undermine the fundamental principle of fair and equitable representation. Texas should not be used as a "trial run" for arguments that threaten to disenfranchise voters nationwide. While redistricting is legally permissible at any time, it is typically undertaken in conjunction with the decennial census. Mid-decade redistricting driven by partisan motives, rather than population shifts, serves only to undermine democratic principles and silence the voices of minority communities.