CHICAGO, Sept. 26, 2023 — The American Bar Association staunchly applauds today’s Supreme Court decision to reject Alabama’s effort to conduct the 2024 elections under a contentious congressional map that dilutes the voting power of its Black citizens. Today’s ruling not only signifies a judicial commitment to uphold civil rights and voting protections but reaffirms the lower court’s previous opinion that the redistricting likely constitutes a violation of the Voting Rights Act by the Alabama legislature.
In that 200-page order, the lower court explicitly referenced Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits any practices that reduce racial minorities’ opportunities to participate in the political process and to elect representatives of their choice. The legal mandates on this matter are clear and unequivocal, and the ABA especially lauds the justices in upholding the lower court’s decision to protect voting rights.
The ABA stands unwaveringly for equitable redistricting and full civic participation in the creation of congressional and legislative districts. The ABA is steadfast in its enduring commitment to the rule of law and democratic values and continues to advocate for fair representation and the elimination of biased practices in electoral processes. It is paramount that our legislative framework safeguards the essence of democracy and upholds the sanctity of each citizen’s vote.
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