Alabama Secretary of State to Appeal Senate District Map Ruling
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen has announced plans to appeal a federal court ruling that mandated the state to redraw its Senate district map. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama found that the Montgomery portion of the map violated the Voting Rights Act, as it limited Black voters’ ability to elect their preferred candidates.
In a notification filed Wednesday, Allen’s legal team indicated their intent to appeal the decision made by U.S. District Judge Anna M. Manasco, a Trump appointee. They are also seeking a stay on the ruling pending a related U.S. Supreme Court case regarding Louisiana’s redistricting, which could influence future decisions on voting rights. This case is slated for oral arguments on October 15.
Judge Manasco’s ruling stems from a lawsuit led by the American Civil Liberties Union, among others, that asserted the Montgomery districts in question—District 25, represented by a white Republican, and District 26, held by a Black Democrat—unfairly concentrated Black voters. While the judge acknowledged some issues with the map, she ruled that a portion pertaining to Huntsville was compliant with the law.
The Voting Rights Act mandates that minority voters should have equal opportunities in elections. Manasco has charged the Alabama Legislature with the task of creating a new map, though the next legislative session isn’t scheduled until January. However, there is ongoing communication among legislative leaders and Governor Kay Ivey about potentially convening a special session.
The state must have a new map ready by November 17 in anticipation of the May 2026 primary elections. Allen’s lawyers argue that the timeline for reconfiguring the districts is impractical, a claim contested by the plaintiffs.
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