ACLU of Mississippi Statement On Joint Resolution 201
March 31, 2026 11:00 am
JACKSON, Miss - In 2024, a panel of 3 Federal judges found that the Mississippi’s Senate and House districts were drawn in a way that diluted Black voting strength and violated federal law. The Court ordered the legislature to create 3 additional districts, where Black voters could choose a candidate of their choice.
Just last November, in special elections, Black voters did just that, electing legislators of their choice in and around Hattiesburg, DeSoto County and the Golden Triangle.
With only a few days left in the legislative session, Senator Jeremy England has authored Joint Resolution 201, a measure intended to revert the state back to the discriminatory maps used prior to the Court’s decision.
The Senate Rules Committee considered the resolution this afternoon but in bipartisan vote, rejected the legislation.
“We applaud the senators on the rules committee who opposed Joint Resolution 201, said Jarvis Dortch, Executive Director - ACLU of Mississippi.” “These lawmakers blocked a direct attempt to silence Black voters and weaken their voice in the Mississippi legislature.”
“Joint Resolution 201 is a warning of what will happen if the United States Supreme Court further erodes the safeguards of the Voting Rights Act. The landmark law is one of the last remaining protections against racially rigged maps.”
We urge all members of the State Senate to stand against Joint Resolution 201. Democracy has progressed in Mississippi, but Joint Resolution 201 is a step back in time.
To view this press release online, click here.
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