Alabama Defies Supreme Court Order to Redraw Congressional Map
In a surprising move, Alabama has refused to comply with a recent Supreme Court order to redraw its congressional map to include a second majority-Black district. Instead, the state’s legislature has lowered the Black voting-age population in the existing Democratic seat and increased the Black population percentage in another district. The new map has been approved by Alabama’s legislature and governor and will face federal court review in August.
The Supreme Court’s order came as a surprise, given its conservative-dominated makeup. It was seen as a push for more equitable representation and an attempt to address voting rights issues. Alabama’s response to the order has raised concerns about the state’s commitment to fair representation and the Voting Rights Act.
Governor Kay Ivey, a Republican, defended the legislature’s actions, stating that they know the state and its districts better than the federal courts or activist groups. However, critics argue that this response amounts to defiance of the Supreme Court’s authority and puts the rights of Black voters at risk. Janai Nelson, president of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, called the new map an “outright defiance” and emphasized the need for federal courts to protect Black voters and their representation.
The issue at hand is the concentration of Alabama’s Black population in certain counties, known as the Black Belt. While the state’s overall population is approximately 27% Black, the Black Belt counties have a much higher percentage of African Americans. The Supreme Court’s decision aimed to address this disparity and ensure fair representation for Black voters.
Alabama had previously asked the Supreme Court to nullify Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which protects against discriminatory voting practices. Many believed that the conservative majority on the court would support this request. However, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined the liberal justices in rejecting the idea and throwing out the Alabama map.
The fight over Alabama’s congressional map is part of a larger battle over redistricting in several states, including New York. The outcome of these fights could have significant implications for control of the House of Representatives. The issue is not solely about numbers and demographics but also about ensuring fairness and equal representation for historically marginalized communities.
As the new map goes before federal courts for review, the debate over fair representation in Alabama continues. The outcome will have implications not just for the state but for the broader conversation around voting rights and the power of redistricting.
Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-07-25 00:07:00
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