A coalition of current and former Detroit politicians and activists made their case to the Michigan Supreme Court today in a challenge to the state’s new district maps.
It’s alleged the newly redrawn districts violate the Voting Rights Act and would limit Black representation in state and federal government.
Attorney Nabih Ayad says the maps need to include more majority-minor districts.
“If you reduce those majorities of African-American districts, and you look at the voting patterns, it's going to take a miracle for them to possibly succeed at this”
The counsel for the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission says there would still be opportunity for Black voters to have adequate representation – because white voters have shown a willingness to elect Black candidates.
An expedited ruling is expected within the next couple weeks.