The Ballot Box Under Attack and How Delaware Is Pushing Back
Published May 4th | Reading time: 3:09
This week, the U.S. Supreme Court dealt one of the most damaging blows to voting rights in a generation. At the same time, right here in Delaware, Governor Matt Meyer signed an executive order to protect your vote. Here is what you need to know.
The Supreme Court Guts a Landmark Civil Rights Law
On April 29, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 along ideological lines in Louisiana v. Callais — striking down a Louisiana congressional district that had been drawn to give Black voters fair representation. The ruling effectively guts Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the main legal tool Americans have used to fight racially discriminatory election maps.
Justice Elena Kagan, writing in dissent, warned that the majority had rendered the Voting Rights Act’s key protection “all but a dead letter.” The ACLU called it “a profound betrayal of the legacy of the civil rights movement.”
What Section 2 did — before this ruling:
- Allowed communities of color to challenge election maps that diluted their votes
- Produced more diverse representation on city councils, school boards, and in Congress
- Served as the primary legal tool after the Supreme Court gutted the preclearance system in 2013 (Shelby County v. Holder)
The Fallout Is Already Happening
The ink was barely dry on the ruling when Republican-controlled states began moving to redraw congressional maps — maps that could eliminate Black representation and shift House seats to Republicans.
- Louisiana: Governor Jeff Landry suspended the state’s May 16 congressional primaries — even though absentee ballots had already been mailed and early voting was underway. Civil rights groups including the ACLU and NAACP immediately sued, calling it an illegal attempt to erase votes already cast.
- Florida: The state passed new congressional maps the same day the ruling was issued — maps that could flip up to four seats from Democratic to Republican.
- Mississippi: Gov. Tate Reeves called for a special legislative session to redraw district maps within three weeks of the ruling.
- Tennessee & Alabama: Both states signaled they would move quickly to redraw maps under the new rules. President Trump publicly urged Republican governors to act fast.
The New York Times estimates the ruling could ultimately shift up to 12 House seats — currently held largely by Black Democrats in the South — to Republicans.
Delaware Steps Up to Protect Voters
While other states are working to shrink the electorate, Delaware is going the other direction. On April 22, Governor Matt Meyer signed Executive Order 19, establishing the Delaware Task Force on Free, Fair, and Secure Elections.
The task force is charged with:
- Protecting voters from intimidation and interference
- Guarding against federal overreach into state elections
- Addressing cybersecurity threats and disinformation
- Recommending improvements before and after the 2026 elections
“The basic concept of one person, one vote is being threatened, and it’s not an accident,” said Governor Meyer. “If the federal government tries to interfere in our elections, we will do whatever is necessary to ensure that the people of Delaware can exercise their most sacred right.”
The Cape Gazette reported on the April 22 signing ceremony, noting Meyer has pledged that Delaware will be better prepared than any other state to defend its elections. The task force is co-chaired by Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanzhez and Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security Joshua Bushweller, with participation from law enforcement, cybersecurity experts, and legislators.
What This Means for You
The attack on voting rights is real and it is accelerating. The Voting Rights Act that nearly every senator from both parties voted to renew in 2006 has been steadily dismantled — and this week marked a devastating new chapter.
Here is what you can do right now:
- Register to vote and make sure your friends and family are registered
- Know your polling place — election rules can change quickly
- Show up in local elections: school board, county commission, city council — these matter more than ever
- Support organizations like SDARJ, the ACLU, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund that are fighting back in court and in communities
- Stay informed — and share this article
The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice stands with every voter whose voice is being threatened. We will continue to educate, advocate, and organize. Voting rights are civil rights — and we will not be silent.
Sources & Notes
- Attached article: “The Voting Rights Act After Louisiana v. Callais” (primary source)
- Cape Gazette, “Governor signs executive order on voter security,” April 22, 2026 (capegazette.com)
- SCOTUSblog, “In major Voting Rights Act case, Supreme Court strikes down redistricting map,” April 29, 2026
- Louisiana Illuminator, “Louisiana governor postpones U.S. House primary elections after Supreme Court ruling,” April 30, 2026
- ACLU, “Supreme Court Strikes Down Louisiana Map and Destroys Key Voting Rights Act Provision,” April 29, 2026
- NBC News, “Louisiana will delay House primaries after Supreme Court redistricting ruling,” April 30, 2026
- Wikipedia, “Louisiana v. Callais” (for multistate redistricting overview)
- State of Delaware, Executive Order 19, April 22, 2026 (governor.delaware.gov)
