|
Redistricting Update: Court Case Tomorrow, Dec 20th
|
|
The 2023 Redistricting Special Session, which was not so special for me, ended on Thursday, December 7, and Governor Kemp signed the three new maps, for State House, State Senate, and Congressional on December 8, 2023.
Unfortunately, it looks like Republicans passed maps violating the Voting Rights Act in an unlawful manner. At least, that is the Democrats position and the same plaintiffs that objected to last year’s maps are objecting to these maps.
And also unfortunately, as I told you on Nov 28, Republicans made a deliberate choice to target me, along with several Democrats outside the areas the judge identified, pairing us with fellow Democrats.
THANK YOU to so many of you for your overwhelming responses to my request for your comments against the House Map on the public portal on November 28 - we live in an amazing community here in DeKalb. They will be a part of the public record for the court case.
Judge Jones will hold a hearing tomorrow, December 20, for the plaintiffs to object and the state to defend the maps. He will make a decision, yes or no, on each of the three maps - does this map meet the Voting Acts Requirements? We hope to know his ruling by the end of December - and a knowledgeable friend thinks we may know by the end of the week. If he decides yes, the 2024 elections will proceed with these maps.
If he decides no, then Judge Jones will ask a Special Master to draw the maps. The Special Master will need to draw maps as expeditiously as possible. Raffensberger has said he needs final maps by January 28 to prepare ballots. And also, candidates need to qualify for the primary election the week of March 1 - 8th. Special Masters typically do not look at incumbency, so the districts could possibly change quite a bit. It is also possible the Special Master may start with one of the plaintiff’s maps. As you can see, there is a lot of uncertainty.
However, what is certain is that I am running for re-election in the House of Representatives to continue to serve the good people of DeKalb County. If the new map holds, I need to make a lot of new friends in the new HD 90! I am not going anywhere - I hope I can count on your support.
|
|
Speaking Against the Maps During Special Session
|
|
|
|
Watch the House Committee on Reapportionment, where I speak against the House Committee Maps, at 1;45. You can also watch Rep Oliver at 1:30
|
|
|
|
I am speaking on the House Floor against the Senate map, about the merits of the Democratic proposed map, compared to the one that we were debating on the floor.
|
|
What the Press Has to Say:
|
|
The Georgia House Democratic Caucus session synopsis, with links to excellent floor speeches:
|
|
|
During the Special Session, Georgia House Democrats tirelessly advocated for a map that reflected the true diversity of our state. Our fair and just proposal stood in stark contrast to the maps ultimately passed by the House and Senate. The Republican-drawn maps disregard the court's order and fail to deliver equal representation for Black voters in Georgia.
Beyond its legal flaws, the newly enacted map dismantles majority-minority districts. This blatant manipulation undermines the principle of fair representation and disproportionately impacts minority voters. Leader Beverly criticized the maps and their failure to address the Black voter dilution.
Despite the challenges, Georgia House Democrats remain unwavering in our commitment to serving all Georgians. During this session, Representative Gregg Kennard eloquently highlighted the remarkable transformation of Gwinnett County into one of the most diverse in the state. Representative Jasmine Clark bravely held the GOP accountable for targeting a Black Congresswoman during the congressional redistricting process. Chair Billy Mitchell condemned the map, declaring that its disregard for fair representation fundamentally erodes the democratic process.
As we approach the next session in January, Georgia House Democrats will return with unwavering determination, focused on securing Medicaid expansion and addressing the critical issue of maternal mortality.
|
|
|
It is a honor and privilege to serve as our State Representative. Please let me know if I can be of service to you.
|
|
Representative Becky Evans
Georgia's 89th House District, DeKalb County
|
|
|
|
