Alabama Democrats criticize proposed new districts

Black lawmakers in the Alabama Legislature are criticizing new district lines that were drawn after a federal court ruled the Republican majority relied too heavily on race in crafting them the first time.

Rep. John Knight, a Montgomery Democrat, said Thursday that the proposal is unacceptable. Federal judges in January ordered lawmakers to redistrict after ruling that 12 districts were gerrymandered. The ruling came after the Legislative Black Caucus filed a lawsuit, saying African-Americans were “stacked and packed” into designated districts.

Knight said lawmakers could land back in court if a compromise isn’t reached.

Reapportionment Chairman Sen. Gerald Dial said the map corrects the problems found by the court.

One sticking point could be partisan control of Jefferson County.

Democrats want an even split. Republicans would hold the majority under their proposal.

Republished with permission of The Associated Press.