Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Redrawing Alabama Congressional Maps to Increase Representation for Black Voters

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled in favor of allowing Alabama to redraw its congressional maps with greater representation for Black voters. The 5-4 majority, with Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh joining the liberals, ordered that Alabama redraw its maps with an additional Black majority district or “something quite close to it.”

The ruling comes after a lower court struck down the state’s Republican-drawn lines. Alabama legislators then produced another map with only one Black majority district, which was rejected by a panel of federal judges.

In response to the Supreme Court ruling, Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill submitted three proposals that would create a second congressional district where Black voters comprise a majority of the voting age population or close to it. This could potentially send another Democrat to Congress at a time when Republicans hold a razor-thin majority in the House of Representatives.

The Supreme Court’s decision to reject Alabama’s stay request is a sign that it will not be compliant with state officials’ attempts to undo the high Court’s June ruling. It is unclear when the new congressional map will be finalized, but it is expected to be done in the near future.

The Supreme Court ruling is a victory for Black voters in Alabama, who have long been underrepresented in the state’s congressional districts. It is a step towards greater representation and a more equitable democracy.