Alabama Appeals to Supreme Court Over Controversial Congressional Map
Alabama asks Supreme Court to allow district map favoring Republicans
Image: Upi
Alabama Republicans have requested the U.S. Supreme Court to allow a congressional voting map that reduces majority-Black districts to one, following a federal court ruling against it. The state argues that the decision violates constitutional protections and could cause irreparable harm ahead of the midterm elections.
- 01The federal court ruled that Alabama's new congressional map was racially discriminatory, reducing majority-Black districts from two to one.
- 02Approximately 27% of Alabama's population is Black, yet the new map would significantly impact their electoral representation.
- 03The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana vs. Callais weakened parts of the Voting Rights Act, prompting redistricting efforts in southern states.
- 04The Alabama request cites potential 'irreparable harm' if the map is not used in the upcoming elections.
- 05Rep. Shomari Figures, a Black Democrat, is up for re-election and would be affected by the new map.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
On May 27, Alabama Republicans filed a request with the U.S. Supreme Court to pause a federal court ruling that blocked a controversial congressional voting map. This map, which reduces the number of majority-Black voting districts from two to one, was deemed racially discriminatory by the lower court. The state argues that the ruling violates constitutional protections and could lead to 'irreparable harm' if not overturned before the midterm elections. Alabama's current map has two majority-Black districts out of seven, while Black individuals make up about 27% of the state's population. The appeal references the Supreme Court's recent decision in Louisiana vs. Callais, which has led to a wave of redistricting aimed at diminishing Democrat-led, Black-majority districts in the South. The Alabama request emphasizes the urgency for a ruling by Monday, as the upcoming elections approach, particularly affecting Rep. Shomari Figures, a Black Democrat facing re-election in November.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The redistricting could significantly alter the political landscape in Alabama, affecting representation for Black voters.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think about the redistricting efforts in Alabama?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.