At the behest of President Donald Trump, Tennessee’s Republican supermajority is returning to Nashville next week to redraw the state’s congressional maps, carving Memphis into multiple safe-Republican seats.

The session is made possible by the Supreme Court’s decision ending protections in the Voting Rights Act, made April 29.

Gov. Bill Lee issued a call for a special legislative session to approve new redistricting maps on the evening of May 1, one day after Trump announced on social media that Lee had promised to do so.

Lawmakers will return to Nashville on May 5.

“We owe it to Tennesseans to ensure our congressional districts accurately reflect the will of Tennessee voters,” Lee said.“After consultation with the Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House, Attorney General, and Secretary of State, I believe the General Assembly has a responsibility to review the map and ensure it remains fair, legal, and defensible.”

Once in Nashville, the Republican supermajority legislature will have the votes to crack Memphis and draw nine new safe-Republican congressional seats in Tennessee and eliminate the last remaining Democrat-held seat.

Candidates are already campaigning in the 9th Congressional District — which will likely be redrawn during the special session. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, and state Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, have both gathered and filed qualifying signatures and have been actively campaigning.

Redrawing maps would suspend those campaigns and require candidates in every congressional district to gather new signatures and re-qualify for their races.

Planning to head to the 40th annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival? Here’s what you should know before going. 

Hours of operation

Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Volunteer State’s blast into the 16th century will be held every Saturday and Sunday during May. Adult tickets purchased in advance start at $28.

Parking

Parking waits can build up at the renaissance fair, where parking is free with admission. Peak traffic times are expected between 10 a.m. through 2 p.m., according to the event’s website tnrenfest.com. 

Located in a “grassy field,” parking lots operate on a first come, first serve basis and open at 8 a.m. each day. No RVs or trailers are allowed. 

Sheriff’s deputies and parking attendants will be on the grounds to help patrons park “as quickly and safely as possible,” the event states. 

What if it rains?

The Tennessee Renaissance Festival will operate rain or shine, but some of the experiences may be limited during  inclement weather.