MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Today, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama blocked the state’s attempt to move forward with the 2023 congressional map that dilutes the power of Black voters. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) applauds this decision, which affirms the right to fair representation in government for Black communities in Alabama.
“Thankfully, the District Court, once again, rejected Alabama’s attempt to undermine the democratic process and disenfranchise Black communities, correctly calling out the plan for what it is — intentional race-based discrimination in violation of the 14th Amendment,” said Jerome Dees, Alabama policy director, SPLC. “For now, Black voting rights are protected amid these ongoing attempts to make participating in our democracy more difficult. And the SPLC will continue to legally challenge any other schemes to dilute the rights of Black voters. However, voters who believe in the promise of a multiracial democracy also need to take an active role in protecting the fairness of our democratic process by registering to vote, making a voting plan and showing up to the polls for every election.”
Following the Callais decision gutting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, the Alabama Legislature held a special session earlier this month in which lawmakers passed legislation to authorize a special primary election using a racially discriminatory 2023 congressional district map — pending further authorization from the federal courts.
Despite ruling just three years ago that the map likely denied Black voters a fair opportunity at representation, the U.S. Supreme Court quickly followed its Callais decision with a contrary ruling and required that the lower court revisit its own decision.
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About the Southern Poverty Law Center
The Southern Poverty Law Center is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements and advance the human rights of all people. For more information, visit www.splcenter.org.