Protesters filled the galleries and corridors of the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville on Thursday as state senators voted to approve a redrawn congressional map that splits the Memphis-based 9th District across three Republican-leaning seats.
Demonstrators have marched on the capitol daily since lawmakers convened a special session a week earlier, drawing crowds in the low hundreds on weekdays and several thousand at weekend rallies. Civil-rights groups, churches and university student organisations have helped coordinate transport to Nashville from across the state.
Several demonstrators were escorted out of the Senate chamber by state troopers during Thursday's vote after chants of "shame" rose from the public gallery. Senate leadership briefly recessed proceedings.
Local mosque, synagogue and church congregations across Davidson County have hosted nightly briefings for residents wanting to know where the new lines run. Memphis-based community groups are running shuttle services to the capitol on session days.
Mayor Freddie O'Connell, a Democrat, said the city would support legal action by community organisations and pledged municipal resources to voter-education efforts ahead of the 2026 primaries. State law preempts Nashville from adopting election-administration changes that conflict with state rules.
The protests are expected to continue through the weekend as governor Bill Lee's signature on the bill triggers the formal end of the redistricting special session.