Federal Court Rejects Alabama’s Racial Gerrymandering in Landmark Ruling
In a landmark decision, a federal court struck down Alabama’s 2023 congressional map, deeming it a product of "intentional racial discrimination" and a violation of both the Voting Rights Act and the U.S. Constitution. This ruling follows the Milligan v. Allen trial, where judges concluded the state legislature actively undermined prior court orders aimed at rectifying the dilution of Black voting strength.
The decision allows for the continued use of a court-ordered map that enabled Alabama to achieve a historic milestone: the election of two Black representatives to Congress for the first time. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell was re-elected, and U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures secured a seat in a newly drawn district that meets Voting Rights Act requirements.
The plaintiffs, who included Evan Milligan and various civil rights organizations, expressed that this victory is a testament to the enduring struggle for political equality by Black Alabamians. "All Alabamians will benefit from today’s victory, just as we have benefited from the work of others," they stated.
The federal court’s 600-page opinion highlighted that the legislature’s actions were a deliberate attempt to skirt court mandates and suppress Black voter influence. Its ruling emphasized Alabama’s significant Black population makes it possible to form two majority-Black districts.
Legal experts, including representatives from the NAACP and ACLU, hailed the decision as a reaffirmation of voting rights and the rule of law. The court mandated that the invalidated 2023 map cannot be used in future elections and established a status conference for future planning.
As the case continues, plaintiffs have requested Alabama’s reinstatement under federal preclearance, holding that the state’s actions display a pattern warranting further scrutiny. This ruling marks a significant step forward in combating racial discrimination in redistricting and enhancing representation in Alabama.
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