1. United States
2. Letter

I’m gravely concerned about the Supreme Court’s rehearing of Louisiana v. Callais. This case, ruled on badly, could reshape voting rights for generations in the worst imaginable way. The future of fair representation in America depends on your court doing the right thing. I’m begging you to do so. Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act is the last major safeguard protecting voters of color from racially discriminatory political maps. It is one of the most transformational policies Congress has ever passed, helping to end Jim Crow. If Section 2 is struck down, racially discriminatory maps could spread unchecked nationwide. Every level of government – from Congress to school boards – could redraw districts to silence communities of color. The decision could allow Republicans to push their national gerrymandering scheme to the extreme and cement control of the U.S. House for at least a generation – essentially transforming America into a one-party system. This may seem appealing to some of you in the short term, but none of us will thrive in a country with one-party rule. That will no longer be a democracy. We will cease to flourish in any way. I appeal to the court’s patriotism and ask that each individual in it put the country’s wellbeing above partisan considerations. Section 2 is vital to the survival of our Republic. Leave it be, for God’s sake. Thanks.