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The Shape Of Things: AL- 07

The district: Alabama's 7th congressional district is unique and includes significant portions of Montgomery, Birmingham, and Tuscaloosa. It also crosses the historic Black Belt region of the state, an area with a deep and complex history. In 1992, the state's congressional district boundaries were established to allow Black voters to elect a candidate of their choice, as mandated by the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended in 1982. This was a hard-fought victory for grassroots civil rights organizers who fought for years to ensure that every person's voice is heard and their vote counts. Today, the seventh district is represented by Congresswoman Terri Sewell.

Alabama’s 2021 Map Fails to Fairly Represent the State’s Black Voting Population : In 2020, the United States conducted its census, and the data revealed some significant shifts in population demographics in Alabama. The data showed that over the past decade, the state's Black population had grown while the white population had fallen. As a result, Black Alabamians now make up more than 27 percent of the state's population and nearly 26 percent of the state's voting-age population. However, despite the growth in the Black population and the potential for two congressional districts where Black voters would have the opportunity to elect their candidate of choice (sometimes referred to as an “opportunity district”), the Republican-led Alabama legislature enacted a least-change congressional map, ignoring the census data.

The current Alabama congressional map only has one Black opportunity district, despite the potential for two, which has raised concerns about minority vote dilution and the disenfranchisement of Black voters in the state. Outside of District 7, the Black community outside of District 7 is cracked among districts 1, 2, and 3 -- even though the Black population in the area is large enough to form a majority of the voting-age population in a second congressional district.

Our Shape of Things series raises awareness about the barriers to fair representation for communities throughout the country. It provides an opportunity to support our fight for their representation. Will you support All On The Line with a recurring donation of any amount to support our work to advocate for fair maps in places like Alabama and other target states? >> [link removed]

What’s next?

The fight for fair representation in Alabama is far from over. In November 2021, federal district judges issued a decision to strike down the enacted congressional map for diluting the voting power of Black communities in Alabama. This action was a crucial victory for democracy. However, the subsequent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to consider the case and put the order requiring the immediate redraw of the Alabama congressional map on hold is a cause for concern.

In October 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Allen v. Milligan (previously known as Merrill v. Milligan ) and a decision is expected within the next few months. We cannot allow Alabama to perpetuate the disenfranchisement of Black voters. We must fight for a just outcome in this case to set a precedent for fairness for all voters nationwide. Our fair maps movement must remain vigilant and advocate for a new map that includes an additional Black opportunity district, ensuring that all Alabamians have an equal voice in our democracy.

Why is Allen v. Milligan so important for the future of fair maps and voting rights?

This case is a crucial test of whether the Voting Rights Act, one of the most significant civil rights laws in American history, will continue to be enforced as it has been for decades. The outcome in Milligan will have far-reaching implications not only for the voting power of Black Alabamians but also for voters of color across the country who seek equal representation under Section 2. The U.S. Supreme Court decision could damage communities of color in Alabama with fewer voting protections and inadequate voting power, leading to significant vote dilution. >> [link removed]

Congress has repeatedly reauthorized the VRA with bipartisan support for more than half a century, and the questions presented in this case have already been answered by existing precedent. The current Alabama congressional map is a clear violation of Section 2 of the VRA, and the outcome of this case will determine whether voters of color in Alabama and beyond will have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process and be represented fairly.

That's why All On The Line's fight for fair maps is ongoing daily, year after year. We must continue to advocate for equal representation and justice as we prepare for the decision in Allen v. Milligan .

To protect fairness for Black Alabamians and voters of color across the country, we must take action now to help All On The Line advocate for fair maps. Our organization is working tirelessly to ensure voters in Alabama are supported by a grassroots-driven movement to restore our democracy. Can you help our efforts across the nation by rushing a donation of $7 today? >> [link removed]





All On The Line is the grassroots advocacy campaign supported by the National Redistricting Action Fund. Support our work to end gerrymandering.

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