McLemore v. Hosemann
The NRF supported a group of voters in Mississippi who are challenging Mississippi’s electoral vote system for statewide races, which requires that statewide officers win both a majority of the popular vote and a majority of the House Districts. If an individual does not win both the popular and electoral vote, the decision is kicked to the Mississippi House of Representatives, who selects the winner from between the two candidates receiving the most statewide popular votes. The provision was added to the Mississippi State Constitution at the Convention in 1890, with the explicit goal of diluting the influence of African-American voters in the state. The plaintiffs also sought a preliminary injunction asking the Court to ensure African-Americans have an equal opportunity to elect candidates of their choice in the 2019 election. The pressure from the NRF’s lawsuit compelled the Mississippi legislature to pass a constitutional amendment to remove this racially discriminatory law aimed at restricting the voting rights of African Americans. In the 2020 general election, voters approved the constitutional amendment.
Ensure Every Voice Counts
The National Redistricting Foundation works to advance fair representation, so voters—not political interests—shape our democracy.
