Alabama holds special election after court upholds redistricting

Alabama voters head to the polls Tuesday for a special election to fill four U.S. House seats after a court-ordered redistricting shifted district lines in favor of Republicans.

The Alabama Legislature redrew maps in 2023 following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down the previous lines as racially discriminatory. The new map created one majority-Black district out of seven total, down from two, and concentrated Black voters in one area. Civil rights groups sued, arguing the changes diluted Black voting power. A three-judge panel agreed and ordered the state to draw a second majority-Black district. The Supreme Court later put that order on hold, allowing the 2023 map to stand for the special election.

The confusion comes as voters navigate new district boundaries they may not fully understand. Some precincts have been reassigned, and absentee ballots were printed before the final map was approved. The state’s election officials say they’ve provided updated voter information online and through local boards. But voter advocacy groups report calls from confused constituents unsure which district they’re in or where to vote. The special election covers districts 1, 2, 4, and 5, all currently represented by Republicans. The seats opened after Rep. Jerry Carl (R) and Rep. Mike Rogers (R) resigned to join the U.S. Department of Defense, while Rep. Dale Strong (R) left for the Department of Homeland Security.

Tuesday’s primary will determine party nominees for the November general election. Republicans are expected to maintain control, but the outcome could signal voter sentiment ahead of the 2024 cycle. Democrats hope to make gains in historically conservative districts, even with the new map. The results may also influence future redistricting battles and legal challenges over voting rights. Alabama’s special election comes as multiple states face scrutiny over gerrymandering and access to the ballot box.