MONTGOMERY-In the wake of a federal court ruling against Alabama’s 2021 State Senate map in Montgomery, Governor Ivey has decided not to call a special session to draw a new map at this time given the uncertainty states face over how to comply with both Voting Rights Act caselaw and the US Constitution’s provisions against racial discrimination.
In support of her decision, the governor issued the following statement:
“As the law currently stands, states like Alabama are put to the virtually impossible task of protecting some voters based on race without discriminating against any other voters based on race. I remain hopeful that we will somehow find the ‘magic map’ that will both satisfy the federal court and also be fair to all Alabamians. But as of today, I cannot justify the time and expense of calling a special session. In the meantime, I call on the U.S. Supreme Court to clarify the law in this area as soon as possible and relieve states like Alabama from this no-win situation.” – Governor Kay Ivey
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments this fall in Louisiana v. Callais, a case considering the apparent conflict between Voting Rights Act caselaw and the U.S. Constitution’s equal protection provisions.
If a satisfactory map is later identified, Governor Ivey may reconsider her decision and update the public accordingly.
Media Release/Office of Alabama Governor Kay Ivey
