Alabama's 2nd Congressional District Election and Voting Rights

SOURCE www.npr.org
A federal court ruled that the Alabama Legislature intentionally drew its congressional district map to dilute Black voting strength, a violation of the Voting Rights Act. The court redrew the map, leading to the election of the state's second Black U.S. House member. Black voters hailed the ruling as a triumph for voting rights.

Key Points

  • Federal court redrew Alabama's congressional district map
  • Alabama now has two Black members of Congress out of seven
  • Plaintiffs seek federal preclearance for future congressional districting under Voting Rights Act

Pros

  • Federal court ruling upheld voting rights of Black voters
  • Election of Alabama's second Black U.S. House member

Cons

  • Alabama Legislature's intentional effort to dilute Black voting strength