MONTGOMERY-Governor Kay Ivey on Friday signed into law two bills that could set the stage for special primary elections in some of Alabama’s congressional and state Senate districts this year. Those special elections would occur if a federal court lifts an injunction blocking the state from using maps that it found to violate the Voting Rights Act. Ivey called legislators into a special session to pass the bills this week after a U.S. Supreme Court decision gutted key provisions of the Voting Rights Act last week.
Alabama Arise executive director Robyn Hyden released the following statement Friday in response:
Robyn Hyden
“This special session was an affront to inclusive democracy and basic fairness, and it was a clear example of our policymakers’ misplaced priorities. Just days before Alabama’s primary election, our legislative leaders hurried to pass bills that would dilute Black Alabamians’ voting power. These new laws threaten to erode representation and engagement of all communities.
“What lawmakers choose to prioritize shows what matters to them. Alabama legislators have declined for years to take action to close our state’s health coverage gap, or to expand access to public transportation and affordable housing. Instead of making needed investments to improve the quality of life for every Alabamian, our lawmakers rushed back to Montgomery for an outrageous 11th-hour redistricting effort that came after some voters already had cast absentee ballots in the upcoming primary. The estimated cost of these special elections, if they occur, is more than $5 million out of the General Fund.
“This special session and the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that prompted it both underscore the vital need for people across Alabama to show up and vote in the upcoming 2026 elections, including the May 19 primary. Alabama Arise will continue to work alongside advocates across our state to defend and expand voting rights, both this year and in the years to come.
“We will continue advocating for policies to reduce hunger and hardship. We will continue advocating to ensure people have the resources they need to secure a happy and healthy future. And we will continue advocating together to build a better, more inclusive Alabama for all.”
Media Release/Chris Sanders
Communications Director
Alabama Arise/Alabama Arise Action
