EAST ALABAMA (WTVM) – Re-drawing district maps that result in a new district does not happen often. I spoke with people in Russell County and they say they are not aware of the new district drawings and did not know it affected them this election season. Alabama districts were re-drawn in 2023.
“It makes it a more equal and balanced election. People get frustrated and we don’t need to do anything to discourage voting. We need to encourage voting as much as possible,” said Russell County Democratic Chairman, Jim Centric.
Alabama Democrats say before the re-drawing, there was only one minority district which isn’t fair. The district courts created a new District 2 which includes Russell and Barbour county voters. Centric says this will make elections fair.
“It’s going to be on the character of the candidates. We can only hope that people will not be discouraged and they’ll come out and vote,” said Centric.
Barbour County Democratic Chairman, Eugene Harris, says he hopes voters will vote for a candidate who will give minorities the representation they need. Alabama Republican Party Chairman, John Wahl says he still believes Republicans have a fighting chance to maintain control.
“For the Republican Party, We want to look at districts as the people of Alabama and not look at districts based on race,” said Wahl.
Wahl says the courts designed District 2 to be a Democrat district, however, Republican minorities are a portion of District 2.
“The federal court designed this to be a Democrat district. What they forgot is that there are republican minorities in District 2 and they deserve a voice,” said Wahl.
There are currently 19 candidates for the new district 2 seat, which could potentially shift control of the United States House of Representatives in November.
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