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Democracy NowNov 25, 2022
The Facts
On Thursday, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled against Alabama’s drawing of congressional districts, ordering the state to create a second majority-Black district after activists contended that Alabama’s maps violated the Voting Rights Act.
Conservative Justices John Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh joined the high courts three liberal Justices, deciding that Alabama, which is more than 25% Black, should have two of its seven congressional districts be composed of a majority-Black electorate.
The Spin
Left narrative
With this decision, SCOTUS has finally acknowledged the rights of Black voters, who have faced centuries of oppression, and granted them equal representation. However, the fact that the rightwing court ruled against Alabama’s map shows how far the GOP has gone to disenfranchise Black and Brown voters. While it's therefore important not to become complacent when it comes to the GOP’s attack on voting rights, SCOTUS’ decision should nevertheless be celebrated as a win for democracy.
Right narrative
From a legal and societal standpoint, SCOTUS’ ruling is very ominous for the future of America. Turning electoral politics into a racial headcount is the fastest way to exacerbate growing racial tensions. Of course, Democrats are applauding the ruling since it gives them an electoral edge, but this ruling only adds to the fracturing of America as individuals are grouped solely based on race instead of a shared American identity.
