MONTGOMERY-Governor Kay Ivey on Friday declared a special session starting Monday to redraw Alabama’s congressional and state Senate districts and provide for a special primary election this year using those new lines. The declaration comes after Wednesday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision that gutted key provisions of the Voting Rights Act.
Alabama Arise executive director Robyn Hyden released the following statement Friday in response:
“The U.S. Supreme Court struck a blow against inclusive democracy this week, gutting Voting Rights Act provisions that protect Black and Hispanic voters against efforts to dilute their voting power. Now, just weeks away from Alabama’s primary election, our lawmakers are seeking to redraw district lines and undermine Black Alabamians’ ability to elect candidates of their choice.
“The court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais is a travesty that further entrenches power in the hands of the few. It imperils the diversity of our elected bodies and representation of all communities. Many fair districts likely will vanish as legislatures gut representation for voters of color without checks from the courts.
“This ruling will have direct effects for Alabama. In an outrageous move, legislators are preparing to return Monday for a special session to redraw Alabama’s congressional and state Senate maps at the 11th hour, even though some voters already have cast their absentee ballots in the upcoming primary election.
“Alabama Arise will stand on the front lines with voting rights advocates across our state to fight any maps that remove fair representation. We encourage all Alabama voters to check their voter registration and polling place, and to make sure their friends and family are ready to vote. To build a better, more inclusive Alabama for all, we must ensure everyone’s voice is heard in our democratic process.”
Media Release/Chris Sanders
Communications Director
Alabama Arise/Alabama Arise Action
