US Supreme Court Upholds Voting Rights Act, Alabama Congressional Map Case

• The Supreme Court has not overturned the Voting Rights Act. In *Allen v. Milligan* (2023), the Court upheld Section 2 of the Act, requiring Alabama to redraw its congressional maps to prevent the dilution of Black voting power.
• The second primary election held in Alabama drew a dismal 5 percent turnout, with many voters left confused about their voting options.
• Lawyers advising clients in Alabama should be aware of the potential for disenfranchisement and take steps to ensure their clients' voting rights are protected.

The state's history of voter suppression is well-documented, with many voters facing barriers to casting their ballots.

Alabama's primary election on May [date] saw a turnout of almost 23 percent, but the results were ultimately thrown out by state Republicans. The Supreme Court has not overturned the Voting Rights Act. In *Allen v. Milligan* (2023), the Court upheld Section 2 of the Act, ruling that Alabama's congressional map likely diluted Black voting power and requiring the state to draw new maps. This decision ultimately led to a second primary election being held after the initial maps were rejected. Many voters were left confused about whether they needed to vote again or risk being accused of fraud if they tried to cast their ballots.

While the Supreme Court's 2013 decision in *Shelby County v. Holder* struck down a key enforcement provision of the Voting Rights Act, the Act itself has not been overturned. More recently, in *Allen v. Milligan* (2023), the Court upheld Section 2 of the Act, requiring Alabama to redraw its congressional maps. This decision was made in a ruling that claimed it was not motivated by racial considerations, but rather a dispassionate evaluation of the record. However, the weakening of certain aspects of the VRA has had far-reaching consequences for voting rights in Alabama and beyond. The state's history of voter suppression is well-documented, with many voters facing barriers to casting their ballots. In light of this, lawyers advising clients in Alabama should be aware of the potential for disenfranchisement and take steps to ensure their clients' voting rights are protected.

The Supreme Court's decisions, particularly *Allen v. Milligan* (2023) which upheld Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and required Alabama to redraw its congressional maps, have significant implications for voting rights in Alabama and beyond. This ruling aimed to prevent the establishment of congressional district maps that dilute the voting power of Black voters, who have historically faced barriers to casting their ballots. As the state prepares for future elections, it is essential that lawyers advising clients are aware of these issues and take steps to protect their clients' voting rights. This includes being mindful of potential voter suppression tactics and ensuring that clients are informed about their voting options.

Lawyers advising clients in Alabama should be aware of the potential for disenfranchisement and take steps to ensure their clients' voting rights are protected, particularly given the state's history of voter suppression.

Source: Original reporting via [Source]