Alabama Governor Calls Special Session to Adopt New House Maps

Key Points:

• Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced plans to call a special legislative session to consider a new congressional map following the Supreme Court's recent decision that weakened the Voting Rights Act, contingent on the Court's approval.
• The Supreme Court's ruling struck down Louisiana's congressional map as an illegal racial gerrymander, further limiting protections under the Voting Rights Act and prompting Alabama's move despite existing court orders barring new district lines until after the 2030 census.
• Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall filed motions with the Supreme Court seeking to lift lower court restrictions on redistricting, arguing the recent Supreme Court interpretation sets a new standard for considering race in district drawing.
• Governor Ivey indicated readiness to revert to previously approved congressional and state senate maps if the Supreme Court permits, aiming to position the legislature to act swiftly once cleared.
• The developments mark Alabama's first response to the Supreme Court's ruling among states not directly involved in the case, highlighting ongoing legal battles over racial considerations in the state's redistricting efforts.