The League of Women Voters of Tennessee believes the health of our multiracial democracy requires that voters have a meaningful opportunity to choose candidates who can best represent the needs of their communities. This statement is especially true for Black Tennesseans, whose communities have been divided to weaken their voting power for far too long.

As the League has warned post-Callais, redrawing maps without regard for the interests of Black communities opens the door to racial discrimination. Splitting Tennessee’s 9th congressional district would eliminate representation of Black Tennesseans in Congress.

During the 2022 redistricting process, the League heard repeatedly from the public that redistricting should always prioritize keeping communities whole. The Tennessee legislature disregarded these priorities in 2022 and split Nashville/Davidson County into three congressional districts. Tennesseans must learn from that mistake.

Residents of Shelby County do not deserve to be split into fragments. Tennessee must do better — show the country we are above racism in redistricting and keep Memphis whole. 

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership is open to men and women of all ages. With over 750 affiliates across the county, the League is one of the nation’s most trusted organizations.