Alabama's Congressional Redistricting Battle: Black Voters at the Center of Controversy

The fight over Alabama's congressional redistricting now shifts back to federal court as state Republicans submit their new plan to a three-judge panel. The outcome could have consequences for the requirements of the Voting Rights Act in redistricting and impact the partisan leanings of one Alabama congressional district in the 2024 elections. Alabama lawmakers approved new district lines, increasing the percentage of Black voters in a majority-white district while decreasing it in the state's sole majority-Black district. A group of voters plans to challenge the new plan, arguing that it disregards the Voting Rights Act and a court order. Alabama Republicans argue that the map complies with the court order and redistricting principles.