FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
October 5, 2012
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Alabama Attorney General
Suzanne Webb (334) 242-7351
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AG ANNOUNCES PRECLEARANCE FOR STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Luther Strange announced that the U.S.
Department of Justice has precleared the 2012 redistricting plans for the Alabama
House of Representatives and the Alabama Senate.
Attorney General Strange’s Office submitted these redistricting plans for review
to the U.S. Attorney General and to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
pursuant to Section 5 of the federal Voting Rights Act. Section 5 requires such review of
any change in voting practices in certain states, including Alabama.
The Alabama Attorney General’s Office received a letter dated today from the
Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, stating that the U.S. Attorney
General does not object to Act No. 2012-602 and Act No. 2012-603, the legislation that
set the new House of Representatives and Senate districts. The preclearance was based
on information received by the Justice Department on August 6, 2012, and additional
information received through September 25, 2012. USDOJ’s action moots the lawsuit in
the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and the redistricting plans for the
State House of Representatives and Senate can now be put into effect.
“We are pleased that the Department of Justice has agreed with our position and
approved these redistricting plans,” said Attorney General Strange. “I am proud of my
team in the Attorney General’s Constitutional Defense Division for handling this matter
so quickly and for achieving a good result.” He also commended former Assistant
Attorneys General Jack Park and Charles Campbell, who provided their expertise and
leadership in guiding this through the preclearance process.
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501 Washington Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov
