FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
September 13, 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 SEEKS PRECLEARANCE OF NEW CONGRESSIONAL
AND STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICTS
(MONTGOMERY)–Attorney General Luther Strange today
announced that, pursuant to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, he has filed
a declaratory judgment action in Washington, D.C., seeking judicial
preclearance of Alabama’s Congressional and State Board of Education
redistricting plans. The Legislature redrew these plans to take account of
2010 census data which was released earlier this year.
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is the named defendant, and the
case will be resolved by a three-judge district court, with any appeal going
directly to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Voting Rights Act authorizes the
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia or the U.S. Attorney
General to determine whether certain jurisdictions covered by the Act,
including Alabama, have met nondiscrimination guidelines in drawing up
new districts.
“I am hopeful that the new districts approved by the Legislature after
much thought and deliberation will be precleared promptly,” said
Attorney General Strange.
Pursuant to the Voting Rights Act, Alabama’s Congressional and
State Board of Education redistricting plans cannot be implemented until
precleared.
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501 Washington Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov
