Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson applauded the unanimous Supreme Court decision in “Evenwel vs Abbott.” The court issued a unanimous decision affirming the state’s right to use total population as its method for apportioning electoral districts.
“This morning’s ruling marks a victory for the people of Texas and affirms the constitutional principle of “one person, one vote,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “Texas, like all other states in the Union uses total population numbers from the census to draw its legislative districts. But, because of Texas’ ugly practice of voter suppression, it has become a battleground, ripe for historic and unprecedented attacks against longstanding democratic principles. Since the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, the Supreme Court has upheld the fundamental doctrine of ‘one person, one vote.’ In Evenwel, advocacy groups attempted to weaken the political strength of urban voters by excluding children, prison inmates, and ex-offenders from political consideration. Today, the Supreme Court rightfully upheld the state’s right to account for its total population when determining the size of its districts. Today’s decision is just the first step in ensuring that every person, whether they are eligible to vote or not, receives equal and adequate representation. As an elected official, it is my job to represent every person, including children and those individuals who are fighting to reintegrate into society after serving their debts for past criminal actions. That right also extends to every productive, hopeful immigrant who is working hard to build a better life for themselves and their families. Elected officials represent the people in their districts, not just the voters. The Supreme Court sent a strong, unified message to conservative groups who are attempting to rig democracy by upending every state’s electoral map and shift power away from heavily populated areas.”
