The federal court condemned Alabama's refusal to comply with a previous directive to address its violation of the Voting Rights Act by establishing a second Black-majority congressional district. The three-judge panel criticized the state for its insufficient response, underscoring the need for equitable representation. They ruled a special master will now redraw the congressional map, which currently offers only one Black-majority district despite Black citizens comprising 28% of the population. Alabama plans to appeal, but experts suggest creating a compliant map is straightforward given the timeline before the 2024 elections.
"The law requires the creation of an additional district that affords Black Alabamians, like everyone else, a fair and reasonable opportunity to elect candidates of their choice," the judges wrote.
"(Alabama) plainly fails to do so," stated the three-judge panel, emphasizing Alabama's disregard for U.S. Supreme Court directives regarding district representation.
The court ruled that setup violates the federal Voting Rights Act, ordering the state to add a second Black-majority district, rejecting the state's minimal adjustments.
Voting experts say it will be a simple task to draw a new map with two Black districts that would comply with the Voting Rights Act.
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