A three-judge panel has blocked Alabama’s congressional districts, ordering new lines drawn

By KIM CHANDLER
Associated Press

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — A three-judge panel has blocked Alabama’s new congressional map after lawmakers failed to create a second district where Black voters at least came close to comprising a majority, as suggested by the court. The ruling was announced Tuesday. The judges say a special master will be tapped to draw fair districts for the state. Judges had asked the state solicitor general in a hearing if Alabama had ignored their instruction. The court blocked a map last year and said Alabama should have two districts where Black voters comprise a majority or something close to it. Twenty-seven percent of Alabama’s residents are Black. The state is expected to appeal the decision.