INDIANAPOLIS – The Supreme Court of the United States today will hear oral argument in Evenwel v. Abbott, a Texas redistricting case that would deny representation to anyone who isn’t a voter, including every child and minor under 18, by changing how state legislative districts are drawn. Everyone should be counted in our democracy, which is why the Constitution requires it when drawing congressional districts. State legislative districts should also count everyone.

In Indiana, an estimated 1,582,192 young people under 18 could be disenfranchised if Sue Evenwel has her way — including 49% who are young women; 171,456 of African Americans; and 155,454 of Hispanics. To be clear, that affects 99.8% of Hispanic-Americans who are U.S.-born citizens who are under 18.

John Zody, Chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party, issued the following statement today on how this case could lead to a loss of political representation for millions of young people and minority communities across the country, including right here in the Hoosier State.

“Every single person living in America deserves equal representation and deserves to be counted in our democracy, and that’s why the U.S. Constitution requires it in congressional districts.  Sue Evenwel’s egregious attempt to deny millions of people representation in state legislative districts is an attack on our democracy and threatens the ability of elected officials to adequately represent and serve their communities.  Our children and everyone living in our communities deserve a voice even if they are not able to cast a ballot.

“Does Mike Pence and the rest of the Republican delegation agree with Sue Evenwel and her belief that only those who are eligible to vote should be the only individuals represented by our public officials? Our elected officials cannot allow anyone to be disenfranchised, if we are serious about the integrity of our democracy. America and Indiana are best served when we count everyone, and everyone counts in our democracy.”

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