BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER
HLESTER@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
ALABAMA —
The Supreme Court ruled on June 8 that congressional lines must be redrawn in the state of Alabama.
The case, Allen v. Milligan, has led to the decision to create a second majority-Black district in Alabama.
“This decision reaffirms the power of the collective,” said a statement from Alabama Values. “Community organizers, advocates, lawyers and community members came together to stand for freedom and democracy. This win is a step in the right direction, and we must continue to fight for fair maps across the country to ensure voters have an opportunity for fair maps and equitable representation.”
The vote, 5-4, was confirmed on June 8, 2023. This case has been in the works for over a year, since November 2021.
“Grassroots organizers are celebrating a landmark victory as the United States Supreme Court upheld Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and forced the Alabama Legislature to redraw its Congressional maps to include a second majority-minority district,” said a press release from Alabama Values. “SCOTUS ruled 5-4 in the Allen v. Milligan (formerly Merrill v. Milligan) case. By affirming Section 2 of the VRA, SCOTUS upholds it is acceptable to factor race into redistricting to ensure that people of color have equal voting power.”
Alabama has a 27% Black population, which the plaintiffs said warranted the resulting action.
“This decision is a crucial win against the continued onslaught of attacks on voting rights,” said Deuel Ross, Legal Defense Fund senior counsel. “Alabama attempted to rewrite federal law by saying race had no place in redistricting. But because of the state’s sordid and well-documented history of racial discrimination, race must be used to remedy that past and ensure communities of color are not boxed out of the electoral process. While the Voting Rights Act and other key protections against discriminatory voting laws have been weakened in recent years and states continue to pass provisions to disenfranchise Black voters, today’s decision is a recognition of Section 2’s purpose to prevent voting discrimination and the very basic right to a fair shot.”
The Alabama Republican Party released a statement following the Supreme Court ruling, indicating that not everyone is in favor of the decision.
“The Alabama Republican Party is disappointed in the ruling by the United States Supreme Court,” said the statement by Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl. “The U.S. Constitution is clear that drawing district lines — as well as redistricting — are the responsibility of state legislatures.
“Regardless of our disagreement with the Court’s decision, we are confident the Alabama Legislature will redraw district lines that ensure the people of Alabama are represented by members who share their beliefs, while following the requirements of applicable law. The Alabama Republican Party remains committed to competing in every district, and will work hard to win all seven Congressional seats with candidates that reflect their communities and the values of the state of Alabama.”
The Alabama Young Democrats, however, was in favor of the decision.
“The [Supreme Court’s] ruling means Alabama will receive a second majority Black voting District, which is likely to skew Democratic,” the organization said in a statement. “Only 27% of Black residents make up the share of Alabama’s population. By a vote of 5-4, a coalition of liberal and conservative justices essentially upheld the court’s 1986 decision requiring that in states where voting is racially polarized, the legislature must create the maximum number of majority Black or near majority Black congressional Districts, using traditional redistricting criteria.
Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh, both conservatives, joined the court’s three liberals in the majority. Today was a historic victory for the Voting Rights Act and every Black Voter in the State of Alabama.”
The Alabama Legislative Black Caucus said that it will continue to fight against racial gerrymandering.
“In a resounding victory for fair representation, the Supreme Court’s unexpected decision stands as a powerful testament to the importance of upholding the Voting Rights Act,” said Representative and Vice Chair of the Alabama Black Legislative Caucus, Napoleon Bracy, Jr. “By prohibiting racial gerrymandering in Alabama, the Court reaffirms the principle that every citizen’s voice deserves to be heard, regardless of their race. This ruling sends a clear message that political power should not be diluted through discriminatory practices, ensuring that the spirit of democracy remains strong and inclusive in Alabama.”
Wes Allen, Alabama Secretary of State, issued a statement as well. “I am disappointed in today’s Supreme Court opinion but it remains the commitment of the Secretary of State’s Office to comply with all applicable election laws,” he said.