Louisiana Redistricing

The Legislature's black caucus has sent its formal objection about the redesign of Louisiana House districts to the federal officials reviewing the maps.The caucus joined with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the National Urban League in lodging its opposition Friday with the U.S. Department of Justice.

The filing says the redrawing of the 105 House districts, approved by lawmakers earlier this year, dilutes minority voting strength in northwest Louisiana and fails to meet the requirement that the maps be drawn "free of discriminatory purpose."

Caucus members and other Democrats sought to create a 30th minority district in Shreveport, but the plan passed creates 29 minority districts instead, up from the current 27.

Federal officials must agree to Louisiana's maps under the Voting Rights Act to ensure against discrimination.