Poplar Avenue in Memphis has become a political frontier following Tennessee's redistricting. Driven by Republicans after a Supreme Court ruling, the new maps divide the Black community into three congressional districts. Republicans argue they avoid racial segregation by not concentrating Democratic voters in a single area.
Mapping algorithms and the art of dividing communities 🗺️
The maps were designed using GIS software that allows for precise boundary drawing. Poplar Avenue, a six-lane road, acts as a natural barrier. Census and voter registration data were processed to dilute the electoral weight of the Black community, extending the districts from Memphis to the suburbs of Nashville. The technical result: three districts with a likely Republican majority, maintaining broad geographic representation.
The avenue that connects suburbs and separates voters 🚗
Republicans say they don't want to segregate, but they have made crossing Poplar more decisive than changing the channel on TV. Now, for a Democrat to win in Memphis, they would need a car with GPS, a full tank of gas, and a campaign spanning three different time zones. All to avoid concentrating votes.