‘They still get to select a representative’: Political Science professor weighs in on Alabama redistricting ahead primary election

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (WBRC) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, May 11, overturned a lower court’s order forcing Alabama to use a court-drawn map, allowing the state to use the map drawn by the legislature in 2023.

All congressional district races will appear on the ballot May 19, but results for districts affected by the map change will not count. Instead, results from an Aug. 11 election will be binding and will not go to a runoff.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday called special primaries for four of the state’s seven congressional districts: the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th. Winners will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.

Dr. Benjamin Gross, an associate political science professor at Jacksonville State University, said Alabama is one of several states trying to change their congressional district boundaries before the November elections.

“It’s their ability to go to the polls and make a decision, and so voters need to understand then they get to select a representative that they want to represent them, and that voters still have the ability to do that regardless of what the map is,” Gross said.

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