Judge: Alabama won’t be ordered to redistrict before 2020
A federal judge says a lawsuit challenging Alabama’s congressional districts will go forward, but the state can’t be forced to redraw lines before 2020. U.S. District Judge Karon Bowdre issued the decision Wednesday. Eight African-American voters filed the 2018 voting rights lawsuit contending the state illegally packs minority voters into a single congressional district. The lawsuit contends Alabama should have two majority-minority districts. Citing a delay in filing the lawsuit, Bowdre said Alabama would be harmed if it is forced to redistrict twice in two years. However, Bowdre said if the current map is ruled unconstitutional, Alabama couldn’t use it as the basis for drawing new lines in 2021. Attorney General Steve Marshall says he was pleased the judge agreed plaintiffs “waited too long to file their legal challenge.” Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Spring Break Slow Down
Haven’t gotten your “Cheat Sheet” in a week. Not seeing the amount of content you’re used to? Don’t be alarmed we’ll be back to covering legislative session and business growth next week. This week our team is out on Spring Break. As a small business not backed by big business we are prioritizing family but will be back soon. Bear with us through the quiet days. You’ll have our undivided attention starting next Monday.
