Statement on Special Election Results in Mississippi

MISSISSIPPI - On July 2, 2024, A panel of 3 Federal judges unanimously held that Mississippi’s legislative maps diluted Black voting power in DeSoto County, Monroe County, and Hattiesburg, in violation of the Voting Rights Act.

Yesterday, special elections held in DeSoto County, Hattiesburg and the Golden Triangle were a result of that court order. Jarvis Dortch, executive director at the ACLU of Mississippi, has issued the following statement.

"Yesterday’s Special Elections gave Black voters in and around DeSoto County, Hattiesburg, and the Golden Triangle, an opportunity to elect legislators of their choice. Thanks to the Voting Rights Act, these voters finally had a voice in choosing who represented them in the State Senate and House. When given the opportunity, Black voters came out and voted for change.

To be clear, fair legislative maps are good for all Mississippians, regardless of race. Both Republican and Democratic legislators too often use the redistricting process to draw districts designed to secure their reelection.

Across the state, the Mississippi Legislature has created districts that allow its members to ignore the wants and needs of more diverse communities. Issues that impact wide swaths of the state such as health care, voting rights, or fully funding education get dismissed out of hand, with little to no debate, because of the lack of accountability to voters.

Instead of lawmakers selecting their own voters, last night, voters chose their own legislators."

To view this press release online, click here.