Alabama lawmakers pass plan for new US House primary if courts allow different districts
Summary
Alabama lawmakers approved a plan to hold new US House primary elections if courts allow new congressional district maps for the 2024 elections. This follows similar legal and political battles in other southern states over redistricting, which affects voting power and representation, especially for Black voters.Key Facts
- Alabama passed a law for new House primaries if courts permit new districts in the 2024 elections.
- The Virginia Supreme Court overturned a redistricting plan favorable to Democrats.
- Republican-led southern states are quickly proposing new district maps after a US Supreme Court ruling weakened minority voting protections.
- Tennessee’s new districts split a Black-majority, Democratic-held area, and Democrats sued to stop their use in 2024.
- The Alabama law would only take effect if courts lift an injunction keeping current districts until after the 2030 census.
- Current court rules require a second Black-majority or near-majority district in Alabama, which elected a Black Democratic representative in 2024.
- Republicans want to reinstate a rejected 2023 district map that could reduce Black voter influence and help elect more Republicans.
- Civil rights activists and Black lawmakers oppose the changes, fearing loss of voting power gained since 1965.
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