With the election just weeks away (Tuesday, November 4), Southern Torch has provided a sample ballot and an interactive map so you'll be able to know which legislative candidates you're allowed to vote for.
The lines are redrawn every 10 years after the U.S. Census. The new lines were established in 2012, and were drawn by a Republican majority for the first time in 136 years.
Challengers of the redistricting claim the districts “pack” more Blacks into districts that already have Black majorities. This redistricting, according to the appeals, results in too little influence for Blacks in the legislature.
The Alabama Black Caucus and other Democratic lawmakers in the state claim that the redistricted map created in 2012 illegally limits Black voting strength and makes it harder to elect Democrats outside the majority-Black districts.
A panel of three federal judges ruled 2-1 last year that the districts were not discriminatory and violated neither the Voting Rights Act nor the Constitution.
At the local level, the only county office on the ballot that involves a district is School Board Place 1, which includes Collinsville and Crossville. This seat is being vacated by Harold Bobo (D) who has decided not to run again.
Click the link below to view a printable sample ballot.
Click the link below to view interactive maps that will tell you what legislative district you reside in.
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