Protect Our Voice
The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus represents, serves and advocates for public policies that affect the well-being of Black Mississippians. We are working toward a state where Black Mississippians thrive through effective leadership and equitable policymaking that strengthens communities, protects rights and ensures dignity and opportunity for every generation.
Where MLBC Stands
Mississippi is facing an attack on Black representation and renewed uncertainty over its political districts following the Callais decision affecting voting-rights protections.
State leaders have expressed interest in redrawing Mississippi’s four congressional districts, state legislative, and judicial districts. Although legislative redistricting committees have been established, new maps have not yet been presented.
Callais is not a command nor a mandate to redistrict. It changed the standard courts will use in certain Voting Rights Act cases, but it did not erase the Constitution nor authorize racial discrimination. Any new map must still be drawn without intentionally diminishing Black voting strength.
Political maps determine which communities vote together and who has the opportunity to elect representatives who understand their needs. When communities are divided unnecessarily, their voting strength can be weakened. When the process happens behind closed doors, residents may not have an opportunity to review proposed maps, identify problems or explain which communities should remain together.
Fair representation helps communities advocate for:
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Strong public schools
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Accessible health care
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Safe roads and reliable infrastructure
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Affordable housing
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Economic investment and good-paying jobs
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Accountable government
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Fair treatment under the law
We want to be clear: Mississippi Republicans are making a discretionary political decision to consider new maps. Any effort to dismantle or weaken the voting strength of Black Mississippians would threaten the ability of Black voters to elect a representative of their choice.
Maps decide representation. Representation influences resources. Resources shape the future of our communities.
Our Position
The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus believes:
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Black voters should not lose meaningful representation because legal standards or political priorities change.
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Communities should not be divided merely to weaken their voting strength.
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Mississippi’s only majority-Black congressional district should not be dismantled for partisan advantage.
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Every proposed map should be released early enough for meaningful public review.
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Public hearings should be held throughout the state before maps are finalized.
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Residents must have access to understandable maps, population data and information about proposed changes.
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Black communities, rural communities and other communities of interest must have a genuine opportunity to be heard.
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Maps must be evaluated by their real effect on voters—not simply by the stated intentions of those who draw them.
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Public participation must begin before decisions are made, not after a plan has already been completed.
MLBC will speak openly, stand courageously and use its influence to protect the rights and representation of Black Mississippians.
Take Action
Protecting our voice requires more than watching what happens at the State Capitol. It requires informed, organized and sustained community participation. Utilize this suite of actionable items to Protect Our Voice and join the Protect Our Voice Network by completing the contact form at the bottom.
Protect the Voice
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Join the MLBC Protect Our Voice Network. Complete the contact form below.
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Attend MLBC town halls and official redistricting hearings.
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MLBC encourages you to participate in the public hearing nearest you.
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Submit written or oral community testimony.
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For the public access policy, click here.
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Know your legislators and ask legislative leaders to provide public hearings, accessible data and adequate notice.
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Contact your legislators before any redistricting vote.
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Invite MLBC to speak at your church, campus or community meeting.
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Share trusted redistricting information with your network.
Mobilize the Vote
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Verify your voter registration, address, polling place and ballot.
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Help seniors, students, recently relocated residents and people with name changes verify their information.
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Create a personal voting plan.
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Help at least five relatives, friends or neighbors prepare to vote.
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Participate in Stroll to the Polls on the first day of in-person absentee voting on September 21, 2026.
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Recruit poll workers and nonpartisan poll monitors.
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Share voter-protection information and report voting problems.
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Counter misinformation by sharing information from trusted sources.
OPERATION TURNOUT
Civics Sunday | September 20, 2026
The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus is calling on churches and faith communities across the state to activate for Operation Turnout: Civics Sunday.
This statewide, nonpartisan effort will help congregations get registered, verify their voter information and prepare to participate in upcoming elections.
Each participating church is encouraged to designate a Civic Engagement Ambassador and aim to reach at least 20 voters.
Register. Verify. Prepare.
Your church can participate by:
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Setting up a voter engagement table before and after worship
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Helping eligible citizens complete a Mississippi voter registration application
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Helping registered voters verify their status, address and polling place
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Sharing accurate, nonpartisan information about voter ID, absentee voting and upcoming elections
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Encouraging each person to make a voting plan and help someone else become vote ready
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Reporting participation and submitting photos to the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus
The Civics Sunday Plan of Action includes preparation steps, a materials checklist, an engagement script, sample pulpit and bulletin language, voter resources and reporting instructions.
Watch the Operation Turnout 2 Virtual Briefing
Missed the virtual Operation Turnout meeting?
Watch the recording to hear how the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus is preparing for Civics Sunday and how churches can help their congregations register, verify and prepare to vote.
WATCH THE OPERATION TURNOUT RECORDING
Recording passcode: A8h&=K@7
After watching, download the complete plan below and prepare your church to participate on September 20.
[DOWNLOAD THE CIVICS SUNDAY PLAN OF ACTION]
VERIFY YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION
DOWNLOAD THE MISSISSIPPI VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATION
Questions or requests for materials can be sent to mslbc1976@gmail.com.
Transform the Block
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Organize a neighborhood cleanup or community-needs assessment.
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Hold a youth listening session.
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Mentor and develop young community leaders.
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Partner with local schools, churches and neighborhood organizations.
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Attend meetings of your city council, board of supervisors or school board.
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Advocate for investment in housing, health care, parks, schools and infrastructure.
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Turn voter participation into year-round community power.
