Federal Judges Approve Plan No. 3 for Alabama’s 2024 Congressional District Races
In a significant decision, a panel of federal judges has selected Remedial Plan No. 3 for Alabama’s upcoming 2024 congressional district races. This ruling comes as a result of the Milligan v. Allen case. The judges made their decision after considering three proposed maps, with Plan No. 3 being the closest to the 2023 redistricting map passed by the Alabama Legislature.
The judges acknowledged that they must give deference to the Alabama Legislature and avoid disturbing the policy choices made in the 2023 Plan, as long as it remedies a likely violation of Section Two. With that in mind, Plan No. 3 minimizes the splitting of counties, preserving six counties compared to the seven split by Plan No. 1. Crucially, it also protects the cities of Birmingham and Mobile within a single district. Additionally, all eighteen core counties in the Black Belt remain intact in Districts 2 and 7, with no splits.
One key aspect of Plan No. 3 is its demographic representation. District 2 boasts a Black voting age population of 48.7%, while District 7, currently the only majority-minority district in the state, features a Black voting age population of 51.9%. These figures underscore the court’s commitment to ensuring fair representation and upholding the rights of Alabama’s Black residents.
Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen expressed his office’s compliance with the court’s decision, stating that they would facilitate the 2024 election cycle based on the map imposed by the federal court. Nevertheless, Allen emphasized that the legal process is not yet concluded and that a full hearing on the redistricting issue will take place in the future. He expressed trust in Attorney General Marshall to represent Alabama throughout that process, as his duty remains ensuring safe, secure, and transparent elections.
The selection of Plan No. 3 received support from the National Redistricting Foundation, represented by executive director Marina Jenkins. Jenkins highlighted the progress made for Alabama’s Black voters, who make up more than a quarter of the state’s population. In the upcoming congressional districts, these voters will finally have the opportunity to elect the candidates of their choice, marking an important step towards fair representation and equal voting rights.
Alabama House Democratic Caucus expressed its strong support for the court’s decision, emphasizing its alignment with the principles of the Voting Rights Act. House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels hailed the ruling as a landmark and historic victory for Alabama voters, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding and protecting the right to vote. Daniels stressed that the court’s message is clear: every vote matters, and every voice must be heard.
This decision signifies a significant development in Alabama’s political landscape, as it sets the stage for more inclusive and representative congressional district races in 2024. The judges’ ruling reflects a commitment to upholding voting rights and ensuring that the voices of all Alabamians are heard at the ballot box. As the legal process continues, the focus remains on fair maps and fair elections, as they form the basis of a strong and vibrant democracy.
