Today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Black voters who have been challenging the state of Georgia’s process of electing seat holders to its public service commission.
The conservative-leaning SCOTUS’ decision followed different rulings from lower courts. Earlier this month, a federal district judge found that the current system gave Black Georgians’ votes less influence.
Each seat on the commission maintains jurisdiction over individual districts, however a statewide race determines each seat holder which impacts Black voter power. The ruling came from judge Steven Grimberg who was appointed during the Trump administration.
Following a request from a group of voters opposed to the system of electing seat holders, Grimberg ordered a postponement until the November election for two of the seats, which would give Georgia time to implement a new system.
But last week, the federal 11th circuit court of appeals said because of the “Purcell principle” it would temporarily suspend Grimberg’s decision.
Multiple experts provided testimony who said the Georgia public service commission election system discriminates against Black voters.
Today, the supreme court reinstated the Grimberg ruling.
More about the SCOTUS ruling and case can be found here.
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