Campaigns & Initiatives

Fair Redistricting in Indiana

Last updated on June 10, 2026

Fair Redistricting in Indiana

Fair redistricting means maps that reflect communities — not politicians’ interests — by accounting for population change and racial diversity, so every Hoosier’s voice counts. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais could open the door to redistricting that makes it easier to silence Black voters and other communities of color. When district lines are drawn to protect political power instead of voters, marginalized communities are often the ones who lose influence.

What's Happening

In December of 2025, the Indiana State Senate rejected the unprecedented push for mid-decade redistricting after a months-long pressure campaign from Washington. House Bill 1032, the redistricting bill, was defeated on third reading in the Senate. We thank everyone who called, wrote, testified, and showed up to demand fair maps. However, the fight isn’t over.

The decision in Louisiana v. Callais dismantled Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prevented racial gerrymandering. Section 2 had long served as the primary nationwide protection against discriminatory voting systems following the Supreme Court’s 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder, which eliminated the Act’s preclearance system. This system required regions with a history of voter discrimination to get federal approval before enacting any changes to voting procedures. The Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais effectively eliminates much of the remaining enforcement, now requiring challenges to racially discriminatory maps to bring proof that lawmakers intend to discriminate.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision, we have seen numerous states adopt new maps gerrymandering historic black and brown neighborhoods. In Louisiana, officials paused early voting to redraw district lines. Tennessee lawmakers sliced up the city of Memphis, a majority-Black city. Florida’s redistricting attempt is currently making its way through the courts. Redistricting is a rapidly encroaching reality for numerous states across the country.

The defeat of House Bill 1032 was an important victory, but we must be prepared for future attempts to gerrymander maps following Louisiana v. Callais. We will continue to stay engaged and ready to speak out for fair maps that protect everyone’s voice.

Why Are Fair Maps Important?

The Indiana Constitution requires the General Assembly to redraw district lines once every decade based on data gathered in the Census. These new district lines determine our political voice, shaping our lives and our communities for the next decade.

When it’s conducted fairly, redistricting accurately reflects population changes and racial diversity; it’s used by legislators to equitably allocate representation in Congress and state legislatures. However, when redistricting is used to manipulate electoral outcomes or to discriminate against certain groups, it ceases to be lawful and equitable; we call it gerrymandering. Throughout history, legislators have used gerrymandering to attack the right to vote and weaken the voting power of certain communities. Using these tactics, legislators manipulate voting district lines in ways that dilute the voting power of communities — especially communities of color.

Politicians should earn electoral victories by engaging with their constituents and championing policies that improve lives, not by manipulating district lines. In other words, we, the voters, should choose our elected officials, not the other way around.

Fair Redistricting in Indiana