Thread by @TexasTribune

1/ The process of redrawing Texas’ political maps starts Monday.

Republicans will have more freedom to protect their dominance. Here’s what you need to know.

bit.ly/3lFr07K

2/ The 2021 redistricting cycle will mark the first time in nearly half a century that a Legislature with a lengthy record of discriminating against voters of color will be able to redraw political districts without federal oversight. bit.ly/3lFr07K

3/ In 2013, the Supreme Court scrapped part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that required states with a discriminatory history to have prior approval to enact voting maps or rules.

Texas has not made it through one decade without a ruling that the state disenfranchised voters.

4/ Civil rights advocates worry that this year’s maps could build upon discriminatory effects from the voting restrictions signed into law earlier this year.

The new election law targets drive thru and early voting options that were disproportionately used by voters of color.

5/ Currently, Republicans hold 64% of Texas’ seats in Congress, 58% of seats in the Texas Senate and 55% of seats in the Texas House.

Former President Donald Trump claimed 52% of the vote in Texas during last year’s election. bit.ly/3lFr07K

6/6 Learn more about the redistricting process here.

Do you have questions about the redistricting process or the legislative session? Email us at [e-mail] and read more here: bit.ly/3CmMXzi

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