Black and Latino voters in North Carolina have filed a lawsuit in federal court to challenge congressional districts drawn by Republican state lawmakers.

In October of this year, the North Carolina General Assembly approved new redistricting maps prepared to empower the state Republican Party for years to come. The passage of the maps also marked a final achievement for Republican leaders in the annual session, which saw its priorities on abortion, LGBTQIA+ and gun rights, voting rights and education become law and, in turn, erode the powers of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.

According to the Associated Press, black and Latino voters who filed the lawsuit argue that these districts weaken the voting power of minorities by violating the U.S. Constitution. The lawsuit specifically challenges four districts where they allege that Republican leaders manipulated groups of voters to minimize minority influence, strengthening the state's white majority. The plaintiffs seek to overturn the current map and adopt a new one.

The current map favors Republicans, giving them an edge to win at least 10 of the 14 seats in the state Congress. The plaintiffs allege that minority populations have suffered discrimination and dilution of the vote, resulting in persistent disparities in political representation. The lawsuit targets the 1st, 6th, 12th and 14th districts and argues that the redistricts illegally harmed minority voters.

Also according to an article by the Associated Press, the lawsuit was filed on the same day that the presentation of candidates for these districts and other positions in 2024 began. While the plaintiffs seek to invalidate the state map for elections, they do not immediately seek a temporary restraining order preventing its use in 2024. Republicans, including state House Speaker Tim Moore, refute the allegations, calling them baseless and an attempt to cause chaos in the election.

The lawsuit highlights the impact on future elections, with potential influence on U.S. congressional elections. The political context and implications of these actions are central to the ongoing dispute.