Federal court blocks Alabama’s plan for new US House map
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- A three-judge panel in Alabama has temporarily blocked the state's plan to use a new congressional map for the 2024 midterm elections, requiring the use of court-ordered districts instead.
- Black voters' lawyers argued the new map was intentionally discriminatory and that changing districts mid-election year would create chaos, leading to the preliminary injunction.
- The ruling is a setback for Alabama Republicans aiming to reclaim a House seat currently held by Democrat Shomari Figures, though the state may appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
- This development follows a Supreme Court decision weakening the Voting Rights Act, prompting several Southern states to redraw districts with large minority populations, often benefiting Republicans.
- Similar redistricting efforts and election adjustments are underway in states like Louisiana, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as Republicans seek to maintain or expand their House majorities ahead of the November elections.