More than 200 people gathered to hear Congressman Troy Carter, State Rep. C. Denise Marcelle, Senator Regina Barrow, Ashley Shelton of the Power Coalition, Public Service Commissioner Devante Lewis, and Checo Yancy of VOTE during Thursday evening Town Hall.
The panelists discussed the current contested ballot and the urgency to mobilize more voters. They also urged voters to attend Friday morning’s Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee to review and comment on alternative congressional maps which were presented by Sen. Jay Morris (R-Monroe), Rep. Mike Johnson, Sen. Caleb Klienpeter (R-Port Allen), and Rep. Ed Price (D-Gonzales).
This comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Louisiana’s map with two majority-Black districts was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander and violated the 14th Amendment. The seats are held by Congressmen Troy Carter and Cleo Fields. That decision ended the Voting Rights Act.
“The only answer to destroying the Voting Rights Act is that we vote en masse in every election...every single one,” said Shelton.
Klienpeter said the committee will likely favor a map that preserves one of the state’s two majority-Black U.S. House districts out of its six total seats.
“Kleinpeter indicated the remaining majority-Black district would likely be based in Baton Rouge, which favors the current 6th District U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, D-Baton Rouge, an occasional ally of Gov. Jeff Landry, over U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, D-New Orleans, who has openly clashed with the governor,” wrote the news outlet.
At the town hall, a member of the audience said, “Our representation has been challenged. We have to go to the hearing.” Shelton said mobilizers will be present to assist citizens with understanding committee rules and the proposed maps. The public will be able to comment on the impact of creating new maps. Public comments can also be emailed to s&g@legis.la.gov.
“We still have hope and the power to vote for people of choice,” said Shelton. “If you need help showing up we are here to help you show up.”
The panelists reminded voters that the election is not cancelled. Early voting for the May 16th election continues through Saturday, May 9. Because the ballot remains, it will still have candidates listed for U.S. Representative. Five amendments will appear statewide, while parish elections and fire district renewals are on some ballots.
“We have to take this moment of voting to show up...This is not the end this is just the start,” Devante Lewis, public service commissioner.
Lewis said current early voting records show Black voter turn out at 32%. “Every level, every step and everyday, the data is showing that we are winning,” he said.
Sen. Regina Barrow gave a charge: make sure that you vote, your household and your neighbors. “This time it is different...We have the numbers to truly change the outcome of every election. I’m encouraging you to do that.” She spoke on bills impacting the homeless, economic justice, minimal wage. “We can change this, and I need you to help us change this.”
Barrow also said she was told voters are not being told their options for the new closed primary voting process. She reminded the audience anyone who is registered as “No Party” can request a Democrat or Republican ballot in order to vote for a Congressional leader. “You have to ask,” she said.
After public testimony Friday, the committee will meet again early next week to vote on a map.
“You have individual power. You don’t have to be the loudest, smartest or the one who has the figures. When you come tomorrow, be part of the noise that we will make,” Lewis said.
“You are on the menu now. You have to get out to vote. You’ve got to show up tomorrow (to the committee meeting), take a card, and tell them how you feel,” said Yancy.
Klienpeter chairs the committee, and Blake Miguez (R), Regina Barrow (D), Gary Carter (D), Michael “Big Mike” Fesi (R), Sam Jenkins (D), Gregory Miller (R), Mike Reese (R), and Glen Womack (R) are committee members.
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.