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Agenda
5:30 – 6:00 PM: Welcome & Check-In
6:00 – 6:20 PM: Louisiana v. Callais: Preparing to Move Forward
6:20 – 6:50 PM: Change to Closed Primaries
6:50 – 7:10 PM: 2026 Legislative Session
7:10 – 7:30 PM: Our Actions: What You Do Next

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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Welcome & Check-In
The rules of political engagement in Louisiana are changing, and it's not by accident.
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Louisiana v. Callais
A Supreme Court case, Louisiana v. Callais, could redraw the maps or gut the legal foundation protecting Black representation nationwide.
2
Closed Primaries
Closed primaries begin in April 2026. If your people aren't registered with a party, they lose a say in who even makes it to November.
3
2026 Legislative Session
The 2026 legislative session opens April 13th. Republicans hold a supermajority in the Senate and are close in the House. Our voice still matters, if we use it.

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

3

Louisiana v. Callais.

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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Louisiana v. Callais
The case
Black voters in Louisiana fought for, and won, two majority-Black congressional districts under Senate Bill 8.
Louisiana v. Callais challenges whether those maps were legally drawn under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
The Supreme Court's ruling won't just affect Louisiana. It could reshape the legal foundation for Black political representation in every state in the country.
What it means
  • Congressional Districts 2 and 6, both majority-Black, could be redrawn or eliminated.
  • Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act itself could be weakened or struck down entirely.
  • Black voters' ability to elect candidates of their choosing, now and after 2030 redistricting, is at stake.

One thing Callais does NOT touch: local power. Sheriffs, school boards, clerks of court, and parish councils—that fight stays ours.

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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No Matter What the Court Decides, This Doesn't Change…
Local power is permanent
Sheriffs, school boards, clerks of court, and parish councils. We keep building there.
State District maps stand
Louisiana's state House and Senate districts are a separate fight. Majority Black state legislative districts remain. We defend and expand them.
Our issues don't go anywhere
Criminal justice, environmental racism, healthcare, and economic survival. A court ruling doesn't make those less urgent.
Turnout is still the answer
High Black voter turnout shapes resource allocation, policy priorities, and coalition power, even when districts are unfavorable.
We prepare
Whatever the Court hands down, our communities won't be blindsided. We know the stakes. We know the plays. We're ready.

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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Three Scenarios

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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Scenario 1: The Court Upholds the Map
Electoral Focus: Defend & Expand
WHAT THIS MEANS: SB 8 remains in place. Louisiana keeps two majority-Black congressional districts for 2026 and beyond.
ELECTORAL FOCUS: Defend and expand. Mobilize strong turnout while building down-ballot strength.
  • CELEBRATE AND MOBILIZE: This is a hard-won victory that validates decades of legal struggle. We use that momentum to drive turnout through coordinated voter education, early vote engagement, and community-based turnout programs.
  • DEMONSTRATE THE VALUE OF FAIR MAPS: High Black voter turnout in Districts 2 and 6 proves what we already know: representation increases participation. We make that case loudly through public messaging, media engagement, and policy advocacy.
  • EXPAND ORGANIZING FOOTPRINT: With congressional representation secured, we have runway to build deeper at the state legislative and local levels by supporting partner organizations, training community leaders, and investing in sustained local engagement.
  • PREPARE FOR FUTURE CHALLENGES: A favorable ruling does not end the threat. The legislature could attempt new maps after the 2030 census. We build permanent infrastructure now through year-round voter engagement, leadership development, and community organizing networks.

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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Scenario 2: The Court Strikes Down the Map
Electoral Focus: Adapt & Defend
WHAT THIS MEANS: The Court rules SB 8 was improperly drawn, but doesn't overturn Section 2 entirely. Louisiana must redraw maps, possibly eliminating one majority-Black district while preserving the other.
ELECTORAL FOCUS: Adapt and defend. Quickly identify which district survives, consolidate resources there, and shift organizing energy to state legislative and local races where Black voters can still elect candidates of choice.
  • IMMEDIATE LEGAL ENGAGEMENT: We coordinate with legal partners, including the LDF, ACLU, and allied organizations, to shape any remedial map by submitting public comments, supporting litigation strategy, and making sure community voices are part of the process.
  • LEGISLATIVE PRESSURE: We mobilize communities to show up at redistricting hearings, organize public testimony, and document every statement and every vote lawmakers make. They will know we are watching.
  • RAPID VOTER EDUCATION: District changes create confusion, and confusion suppresses turnout. We launch intensive outreach through canvassing, community meetings, digital education, and local media to make sure voters know their new boundaries, their candidates, and their deadlines.
  • PRESERVE WHAT WE CAN: If one majority-Black district survives, we pour resources into defending it through targeted voter engagement, coalition building, and coordinated turnout, while continuing to build power at the state and local levels.

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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SCENARIO 3: THE COURT ELIMINATES SECTION 2 OF THE VRA
Pivot and Persist
WHAT THIS MEANS: The Court rules that race-conscious redistricting under Section 2 is unconstitutional, potentially eliminating the legal basis for majority-minority districts nationwide. Louisiana redraws maps with no majority-Black congressional districts.
ELECTORAL FOCUS: Redirect resources to state legislative races (where majority-Black districts exist under state maps), local offices, and coalition building with aligned voters across racial lines.
  • NATIONAL MOBILIZATION: This would be a Shelby County-level catastrophe, the kind of ruling that reshapes voting rights for the entire country. We join national coalitions demanding Congressional action to restore voting rights protections while strengthening organizing infrastructure across every affected state.
  • SHIFT TO INFLUENCE STRATEGY: Without districts where we can elect candidates of choice, we organize to be a decisive voting bloc inside majority-white districts. We build cross-community coalitions, coordinate issue-based campaigns, and make clear that any candidate who wants to win has to address our issues.
  • DOUBLE DOWN ON STATE AND LOCAL POWER: Congressional representation may be at risk, but sheriffs, school boards, clerks of court, district attorneys, and state legislators still shape daily life in our communities. We expand organizing in those arenas through voter education, candidate engagement, and sustained local leadership development.
  • BUILD LONG-GAME INFRASTRUCTURE: This ruling would be devastating. It would not be permanent. Demographics shift. Coalitions evolve. We invest now in leadership pipelines, community-based organizations, and long-term voter engagement so we are ready for the fights ahead.
  • DOCUMENT EVERYTHING: Every harm that flows from this ruling reduced federal investment, ignored infrastructure, policy neglect—becomes evidence. We track it, report it, and use it to fuel future legal challenges, advocacy efforts, and legislative campaigns.

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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Let's Talk!
1
Which scenario feels most likely to you, and why?
2
What do people in your neighborhood think is at stake in this case?
3
Where do you see the most opportunity for our communities to build power, regardless of the ruling?

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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Switch to Closed Primaries

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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Closed Primaries: What Changes in April 2026?
If you're one of Louisiana's 200,000+ Black voters registered "No Party," you must choose a side if you don't want to lose your voice in who makes it to November.
Before: The Old System
Louisiana used an open jungle primary where everyone was on the same ballot; party registration didn't restrict your choices. Win 51%+ and you win outright, no runoff needed. This covered all state and federal races.
Starting April 2026: The New Reality
  • Democrats vote in the Democratic primary ONLY. Republicans vote in the Republican primary ONLY.
  • No party/independent registration = no vote in primaries for covered races.
  • New rules apply to: U.S. Congress (House and Senate), State Supreme Court, BESE, and Public Service Commission.
  • Local races like Sheriff, Mayor, and City Council still use the old open rules. You can vote for anyone there.

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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Understanding Your Power in the New System
If you're in a heavily one-party district:
The primary becomes the real election. Whoever wins the majority party's primary almost certainly wins in November. Your vote in that primary matters most.
If you're a no-party or independent voter:
Starting April 2026, you cannot participate in the primary for U.S. Congress, Supreme Court, BESE, or PSC. Re-register with a party, or wait for November.
Local races are still open:
Sheriff, Mayor, City Council, and other local offices still operate under the old open primary rules. Everyone can vote for anyone, regardless of party registration.
November still belongs to everyone:
No matter what you're registered as, everyone votes in the November general election. November is still ours.

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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What People Need to Do Right Now
If Registering for the First Time
Gather a valid photo ID and a utility bill or government document with your current address. Register at GeauxVote.com. Choose a party—don't skip this step.
If Already Registered
Check that your registration is ACTIVE at GeauxVote.com. Confirm your party affiliation. Correct it if it's wrong, especially if you're listed as "No Party."
If Your Registration Is Inactive
Gather your ID and proof of current address. Re-register at GeauxVote.com. Pick a party this time.

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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2026 Legislative Session.

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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The 2026 Louisiana Legislative Session
Senate Seats
  • 10 Democrat.
  • 28 Republican.
  • 1 Vacancy.
House Seats
  • 29 Democrat.
  • 71 Republican.
  • 5 Vacancies.
Black Senate Members
  • 9 Black.
  • 29 White.
  • 1 Other.
Black House Members
  • 26 Black.
  • 77 White.
  • 2 Other.
When one party votes together with a supermajority, they can override the governor's veto and act on budget and tax provisions without a single vote from the other side. Women make up just 12.8% of the Senate and 28.5% of the House. This is the room where decisions about our lives get made. We need to know how to work it.

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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Engaging in the Process.
Bill Introduced: A legislator files a bill (or "prefiles" before the session opens).
Your role: Contact your legislator before the session to share your perspective.
Committee Review: The bill is assigned to a relevant committee for a second reading and public testimony.
Your role: Attend hearings, submit green or red cards, testify in person, or submit written statements.
Floor Vote: The bill is debated and voted on by the full chamber (third reading).
Your role: Keep the pressure on. Call, email, and show up before the vote.
Other Chamber: The bill passes to the next chamber for debate and a vote.
Your role: Repeat your outreach with senators or representatives.
Governor Signs (becomes law) or Vetoes (returns to the legislature).
Your role: Celebrate wins. Mobilize for veto overrides when needed.
Implementation: State agencies determine how the law works in practice, and they can either honor the intent or hollow it out.
Your role: Hold your legislators accountable if the law isn't being carried out as intended. Document what's working and what isn't.

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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How to Reach Your Legislator and What to Say
Find your legislator: pcej.org/FindMyLegislator
Call
Use the number on the Louisiana legislative website. Even if you get voicemail, leave a message. Staff track every call.
Email
Keep it personal. State that you're a constituent, name the bill, and explain why it matters to you specifically. Personalized emails carry more weight than form letters.
In Person at the Capitol
During session, legislators gather in Baton Rouge before floor votes and between committee meetings. While there are no individual offices, they are findable.
Black Voters Matter Alerts
BlackVotersMatter.org often runs pre-built contact campaigns. One click sends your message directly. Add your personal story for maximum impact.

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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Testifying Before a Committee
How It Works
  • Fill out a Witness Card in the committee room: green for support, red for opposition, white if you're there for informational purposes only.
  • Check the box if you want to speak. You don't have to speak to be on the record.
  • When called, testify from the witness table, into the microphone, after the chair recognizes you.
  • Legislators ask questions after you finish.
  • Submit a written statement by email to committee members and staff at least 24 hours before the hearing if you can't make it to Baton Rouge.
Best Practices
  • Keep it short.
  • Know what your main takeaway is before you walk in.
  • Anticipate their questions.
  • Don't argue; lay out your case clearly, and let it land.
Structure of Effective Testimony

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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Our Actions: What You Do Next
Three things: Right now, this week, this session.
Check Your Voter Registration
  • Go to GeauxVote.com.
  • Verify your status is ACTIVE.
  • Confirm or update your party registration; closed primaries start April 2026.
  • Then, text three people and ask them to do the same.
Find Your Legislators
  • Go to pcej.org/FindMyLegislator.
  • Save their phone numbers in your phone.
  • Sign up for alerts so you know when to call.
Stay in the Fight
  • Follow Black Voters Matter: @BlackVotersMatter.
  • Attend redistricting hearings if Callais maps are redrawn.
  • Show up during the session; you have the right to testify, and it matters.

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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We Got Us. We always do.
The name on this case says Louisiana, but make no mistake: this case belongs to the whole country.
We are the descendants of people who were never supposed to survive, let alone thrive. Never supposed to vote. Never supposed to matter, let alone walk in the halls of power. Yet, here we are. That inheritance does not expire with a court decision.

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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Contact

Angele.DeLarge 2026

BlackVotersMatter.org | Lafayette, Louisiana | March 17, 2026

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