Despite chaos at the courthouse over the special legislative session, Governor Kay Ivey is anticipating a favorable outcome.
After Ivey signed House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1, which authorizes Ivey to call a special election in congressional and state senate districts if the redistricting legislation passes, the state has immediately petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to step in.
In emergency filings, Alabama officials are requesting a stay that would allow the state to use its 2023 congressional map for upcoming elections. Right now, a court-ordered map remains in place after a federal panel ruled the state’s plan likely violated voting rights protections.
But Alabama argues that ruling is flawed — and points to a new Supreme Court decision that could change the outcome.
State leaders say without quick action, they’ll suffer “irreparable harm” and could be forced to run elections under what they call an unconstitutional map. The timing is critical, with the state’s primary election just days away.
If the high court agrees, Alabama could move forward with a different map, potentially triggering changes to this year’s election cycle.
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“With this special session successfully behind us, Alabama now stands ready to quickly act, should the courts issue favorable rulings in our ongoing redistricting cases,” Ivey said. “I thank the Legislature for answering my call to address the issue in fast order. I am grateful to Speaker Ledbetter and Pro Tem Gudger for their strong leadership and focus this week. Alabama knows our state, our people and our districts best.”
