The decision is a win for Democrats. The map had been designed to give Republicans an edge in six of seven congressional districts in the state for November’s elections.
Read more Sabalenka takes advantage of heat wave in French Open win. Medvedev loses in 5 sets
A federal court Tuesday blocked Alabama from using a map designed to give Republicans an edge in six of seven congressional districts in the state, delivering Democrats a win — at least for now — amid a national battle over how political lines are drawn.
The unanimous three-judge panel ruled the state could not use its map because the court had years ago determined it “represents an intentional effort to crack the Black population in Alabama.”
The judges told the state for now to use the map that was in effect for the last election. Under that map, the state sent five White Republicans and two Black Democrats to Congress.
Read more Knicks focus on title after accomplishing Dolan’s first mandate of reaching the NBA Finals
But the judges also left the Republican-run legislature the opportunity to draw the state’s congressional map yet again. That gives Republicans a chance to engineer a new map favoring them. They could also appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.
Republicans have long sought to give themselves a 6-1 advantage in Alabama but have been blocked by courts. They tried again recently after the Supreme Court last month weakened the Voting Rights Act.
The fight over Alabama’s map quickly returned to court, and the panel of judges issued its ruling Tuesday blocking the use of the map.
Read more Felix Rosenqvist collects a record $4.34 million from highest purse in Indianapolis 500 history
