FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
November 21, 2011
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Alabama Attorney General
Suzanne Webb (334) 242-7351
Page 1 of 1
AG ANNOUNCES PRECLEARANCE FOR CONGRESSIONAL, BOE DISTRICTS
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Luther Strange announced that the U.S.
Department of Justice has precleared the new Congressional and State Board of
Education districts drawn by the Alabama Legislature.
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. 2011-518 and Act No. 2011-677, the legislation that
set the new Congressional and State Board of Education districts. The preclearance was
based on information submitted on September 21 and additional information submitted
through October 25. USDOJ’s action moots the lawsuit.
“We are pleased by the Department of Justice’s determination that the
redistricting plans passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor comply with
the Voting Rights Act. We have believed from the beginning of this process that
Alabama complied with all legal and constitutional requirements in adopting the new
district lines,” said Attorney General Strange. He commended his Constitutional
Defense Division, as well as former Assistant Attorneys General Jack Park and Charles
Campbell who provided their expertise and leadership in guiding these matters
through the preclearance process.
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501 Washington Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov
