Common Cause announced on May 13 that it will challenge Georgia’s mid-decade redistricting and take legal action if new maps are passed that dilute Black voting power.
The announcement comes after Governor Brian Kemp called lawmakers back to redraw the state’s political maps ahead of the 2028 election cycle. This decision follows the Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, which does not require Georgia to redraw its congressional map. The special legislative session is scheduled to begin on June 17.
“We will not sit back and watch while Governor Kemp takes orders from a felon-in-chief to turn Dr. King’s dream into a nightmare. Too many civil rights leaders have done work in our state for us take this sitting down,” said Common Cause’s Georgia Director, Rosario Palacios. “Common Cause is mobilizing thousands of people to stop state lawmakers from passing any new maps before 2030 that destroy Black voters’ power for political gain. Voters should not have to rely on lawsuits to protect their right to fair representation. Congress must end this abuse once and for all so every voter can cast a ballot in free and fair elections, no matter their political party.”
In response to President Trump’s redistricting initiatives last year, Common Cause created fairness criteria designed to protect representation as both major parties plan map revisions. The criteria include proportionality, meaningful public participation, racial equity, endorsement of federal voting rights reforms, support for independent redistricting commissions, and an expiration date for any new maps after the 2030 Census.
Georgia has experienced years of contentious redistricting battles with concerns raised about plans that reduce the influence of communities of color or limit public input in the process.
Common Cause reports it will closely monitor developments during this session and challenge any maps failing its fairness standards. The organization involves thousands of members across all 159 counties in efforts supporting transparency and civil rights statewide; these activities include advocating for automatic voter registration, anti-gerrymandering reforms, bipartisan democratic improvements with election officials and other advocates—all aimed at fostering representative democracy by removing barriers to participation according to the official website.
