Governor Kay Ivey has delayed certification of the August 11 special congressional primary ballots in case the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) stays a recent federal court ruling requiring Alabama to use a court-drawn, racially gerrymandered map.
A three-judge panel of federal judges on Tuesday granted a motion by left-wing activist groups to block the use of a 6-1 Republican congressional map passed by lawmakers in 2023.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall requested in a filing on Wednesday that SCOTUS enter an administrative stay and a stay pending appeal of the injunctions barring the State from using the 6-1 plan in the upcoming August 11 congressional special primary elections and November general election. A decision by SCOTUS is expected next week.
According to the August 11 special primary election calendar, Secretary of State Wes Allen must certify the names of opposed candidates to probate judges on Friday. However, to “further ensure the state remains in the best position should it receive a favorable ruling” from SCOTUS, Ivey on Wednesday said she was amending the special primary election calendar to allow additional time for Allen to certify the names of opposed candidates that are to appear on the special primary election ballot. Under the amended special primary election calendar, that deadline is now set for Wednesday, June 3.
“Alabama is committed to the redistricting fight, and as I said yesterday, I fully support Attorney General Marshall’s appeal,” Ivey said. “I am hopeful the Supreme Court quickly gives Alabama a favorable response so we can move forward with the August 11 Special Primary Election using our 2023 congressional map. We remain in close contact with the Secretary of State’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office as the appeal process plays out and as our elections approach us.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
