Morrisville, N.C. (February 4, 2022) – Tonight, the North Carolina Supreme Court voted to strike down state lawmakers’ partisan, gerrymandered redistricting maps that disadvantage Black communities as well as other people of color in order to give themselves a leg up in future elections. The NC General Assembly now has two weeks to draw new maps.
Cheryl Carter, Interim Co-Executive Director for Democracy North Carolina, issued the following statement in response to the ruling:
“We are thrilled by tonight’s decision for the future of our state. We, like the people of North Carolina, are weary after contentious litigation proceedings, following months of a confusing and willfully opaque map drawing process that ignored the voice of the people. We are eager to move forward so that we can set North Carolina on a path toward fair representation for all.
While many would have you believe that the ‘controversy’ surrounding the map drawing process and subsequent trial is just political posturing, redistricting is about racial justice, plain and simple. We owe it to the people of North Carolina — particularly those in communities directly affected by the gerrymandered maps – to name it as such and make it clear that North Carolinians deserve better.
Think representation doesn’t matter? Think that casting one’s vote won’t make any difference or have any impact on the future of our elections or state? Look at the redistricting process and think again. They wouldn’t go to such lengths to move our votes around if they weren’t powerful.”
Democracy North Carolina is a nonpartisan organization that uses research, organizing, and advocacy to strengthen democratic structures, build power among disenfranchised communities, and inspire confidence in a transformed political process that works for all.