Mississippi Supreme Court Faces Special Elections Post Voting Rights Breach

In Jackson, Mississippi, the Supreme Court justices convened on July 6, 2023, to listen to legal arguments. Recently, a federal judge mandated special elections for the court, citing violations of the Voting Rights Act linked to the existing electoral boundaries.

A significant decision was delivered by U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock, who instructed that Mississippi reconfigure its electoral map designed in 1987. Her verdict found the current district setup undermines the voting influence of African American communities. The legislation must be revised by the legislature before the closing session of 2026.

Section 2, a crucial component enabling challenges against racial discrimination in voting, is facing scrutiny at the Supreme Court level.

Once the legislature finalizes a revised map, Judge Aycock aims to swiftly set in motion any requisite steps to enable special elections in November 2026.

However, Judge Aycock will reserve judgment on which specific seats will be included in the special elections until after the map revision is complete.

The decision trails a 2022 lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union. The litigation contended that the current map slices the Delta region—a predominantly Black area—harming the Black voting power in the Central District.

Ari Savitzky, associated with the ACLU's Voting Rights Project, expressed optimism: "In a state where African Americans represent nearly 40% of the population, the lack of representation on the nine-member Court is clear. We are thrilled to anticipate justice."

Judge Aycock pointed out in her August decision that, historically, just four African Americans have held positions on Mississippi's Supreme Court, all assigned to the Central District and initially appointed by a governor.

The Mississippi Secretary of State's Office is challenging Aycock's ruling from August. Currently, the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has paused its examination, awaiting the decisions from the Supreme Court and associated cases.

At the time of reporting, neither the Secretary of State nor the Attorney General's office in Mississippi have provided comments on the matter.

Two Supreme Court justices in Mississippi were elevated to federal judgeships in December. Governor Tate Reeves is tasked with appointing interim replacements until successors are elected.

Elections for the Mississippi Supreme Court are conducted without party affiliations.