Mississippi redraws 10 Senate districts to create two majority minority districts

In a recent government meeting held on February 25, 2025, in Room 216, Mississippi officials discussed the implementation of a court-ordered redistricting plan aimed at creating two new majority-minority districts. This decision comes in response to legal requirements under the Voting Rights Act, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure fair representation for minority populations in the state.

The meeting highlighted the formation of Senate Districts 11 and 45 as the newly established majority-minority districts. This redistricting process also affected several existing districts, including Senate Districts 34, 40, and 44, with the goal of maintaining political performance while adhering to the court's directives. Notably, the redrawing of these districts has resulted in the pairing of Senators Polk and Johnson in District 44.

The officials emphasized that the plan was designed to minimize disruption, affecting a total of ten districts rather than the higher number proposed by plaintiffs in earlier maps. The meeting underscored the importance of complying with the court's order, which mandates new elections for the affected districts later this year. The election schedule aligns with the regular statewide election cycle, with qualifying dates set from May 19 to May 30, and plans to deliver the finalized maps to local election officials by April.

In conclusion, the meeting reaffirmed the commitment to uphold legal requirements while striving to create a fair electoral landscape for Mississippi's citizens. The officials expressed confidence in the newly drawn map, which they believe will serve the interests of the community effectively. As the process moves forward, the focus will remain on ensuring that the elections proceed smoothly and in compliance with the established guidelines.