Alabama May 19 primary proceeds under old map amid push for new districts
Updated
Updated · Democracy Docket · May 4
Alabama May 19 primary proceeds under old map amid push for new districts
6 articles · Updated · Democracy Docket · May 4
Secretary of State Wes Allen said voting will continue while the US Supreme Court and 11th Circuit consider redistricting cases and lawmakers meet in a special session.
If courts later allow different congressional or state senate maps, ballots already cast could be voided and voters forced to vote again, creating confusion in an election already under way.
The move follows last week's Supreme Court Callais ruling weakening Voting Rights Act protections, prompting Alabama Republicans to seek maps that could cut or eliminate the state's Black-majority congressional districts.
As primaries proceed, could a court ruling force a second election and what would that entail for voters?
How will the Supreme Court's new 'intent' standard for discrimination reshape voting rights litigation across America?
How Louisiana v. Callais Is Upending Alabama’s 2026 Congressional Maps and Minority Voting Rights
Overview
Alabama's May 19, 2026 primary election faces legal uncertainty due to disputes over whether the state's proposed congressional maps dilute Black voting power. In response, Governor Kay Ivey called a special legislative session just 18 days before the primary to address redistricting and prepare contingency plans for possible special elections. This session, prompted by the Supreme Court's recent Louisiana v. Callais ruling that restricts the use of race in redistricting, has sparked fierce opposition from Democrats and civil rights groups who warn it threatens minority representation. Meanwhile, ongoing lawsuits and court decisions expected by May 8 add to the uncertainty, risking voter confusion and administrative challenges as Alabama navigates a rapidly evolving and contentious redistricting battle.