According to the new map, Black voters — who represent around a quarter of registered voters state-wide — are in a majority in only one of seven districts….reports Asian Lite News
The Supreme Court of the United States is considering a redistricting proposal in the state of Alabama that is accused of diminishing the influence of African American voters, media reported.
A ruling from the court could impact the scope of the Voting Rights Act, a key 1965 law that protected African Americans’ right to vote, Agence France-Presse reported.
The case, which is attracting huge attention, concerns a map to allocate seats in the House of Representatives that was redrawn in 2021 by the state’s Republican elected officials.
According to the new map, Black voters — who represent around a quarter of registered voters state-wide — are in a majority in only one of seven districts.
The rights groups and also citizens took the matter to court, accusing legislators of violating civil rights laws, it was reported.
According to the petitioners, the new map cuts through the middle of a predominantly Black region, the “Black Belt,” and splits it in two.
They believe that Alabama should have created a second district with a Black majority instead.
Meanwhile, the stakes are particularly high in this state, where African Americans vote mostly Democratic, while white voters mostly support Republicans, the AFP reported.
