Federal Court Rules Alabama Violated Voting Rights Act Diluting Black Vote

Federal courts have ruled repeatedly that Alabama's congressional redistricting plans intentionally diluted Black voters' influence in violation of the Voting Rights Act, requiring the state to create a second majority-Black district. Despite court orders and a Supreme Court ruling affirming the state's violation, Alabama lawmakers have refused to redraw maps sufficiently, prompting the appointment of a special master to impose a fair map. This court-drawn map led to the historic 2024 election of Rep. Shomari Figures, joining Rep. Terri Sewell as Alabama's Black congressional delegation. Judges have condemned Alabama's deliberate defiance of federal mandates, comparing it to discriminatory practices from America's darkest history and warning of potential federal oversight or renewed pre-clearance requirements under the Voting Rights Act. While voting rights advocates celebrate these rulings as critical victories, some fear future Supreme Court appeals could weaken protections further, with Alabama officials indicating readiness to contest the decisions. The ongoing legal battle highlights the persistent struggle against racial gerrymandering and attempts to suppress Black political power in Alabama.