From Mother Jones · Ari Berman · · 3m
Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Black Voter Mobilization in Alabama
Alabama’s Black voters surge to the polls after Supreme Court gutted Voting Rights Act.
In brief
Alabama’s Black voters surge to the polls after Supreme Court gutted Voting Rights Act. Supreme Court’s removal of Voting Rights Act protections has mobilized Black voters in Alabama, turning a Republican-held district into a competitive race for Rep. Shomari Figures. Originally reported by Mother Jones.
Supreme Court decision
The Supreme Court dismantled the Voting Rights Act this spring, allowing Republicans to redraw Alabama’s congressional districts.
“The Supreme Court has now confirmed that there is no longer a Voting Rights Act in America.”
Alabama’s new district
Republicans removed Shomari Figures’ hometown of Mobile and Black Belt counties from the district, adding white rural Wiregrass regions to dilute Black voting power.
“They took a pen, they carved it up, they carved out some communities of people who look like me.”
Dothan rally
A standing-room-only crowd of 400 to 500 people rallied for Shomari Figures in Dothan, Alabama, marking the largest Democratic event in decades.
“Oh man, when’s the last time y’all been to a rally like this in Dothan?”
Historic turnout
Black voter turnout surged in Alabama’s primary elections, with Montgomery’s Democratic stronghold seeing a 10-point increase compared to 2022.
“Black turnout has risen in 80 percent of counties nationwide compared to the last midterm election.”
Civil rights legacy
Shomari Figures, a product of the civil rights movement, moved to Montgomery after Republicans redrew his district, where the civil rights movement began.
“Montgomery is the birthplace of the civil rights movement.”
Family history
Shomari Figures’ father, Michael, was born in the Jim Crow South in 1947 and became a civil rights lawyer who won a landmark case against the United Klans of America.
“Michael Donald is memorialized by EJI as the last person ever lynched by the Klan.”
Current race dynamics
Shomari Figures’ district, now 40 percent Black, still has the largest Black share of the population in any battleground seat in the country.
“At the end of the day, campaigns are about getting out and letting people meet you.”
Voter backlash
Black voters view the Supreme Court as the biggest threat to their community, with 80 percent saying the Callais decision made them much more likely to vote.
“This Supreme Court decision is an encapsulation. The Black community feels that there is an existential threat to their community.”
Economic impact
Shomari Figures argues that voting rights issues are economic issues, as lack of voting rights impacts community resources, jobs, and economic opportunities.
“Because for us civil rights and voting rights issues are economic issues.”
Rally in Montgomery
Shomari Figures held a rally in Montgomery, where he moved after Republicans redrew his district, to build support in his adopted hometown.
“It’s crazy when you tell a product of the civil rights movement that Mobile is your home base.”
Political strategy
Shomari Figures has outraised his Republican opponent, state Rep. Rhett Marques, and run targeted ads highlighting his family background and opposition to voter suppression.
“He has outraised his Republican opponent, state Rep. Rhett Marques.”
Historical context
Alabama has no early voting and requires approved reasons for mail-in ballots, making it harder to get new voters to the polls.
“Alabama also ranks near the bottom in voter turnout and has some of the country’s most restrictive voting laws.”
Future implications
If Shomari Figures wins, it could signal that egregious attempts at partisan and racial gerrymandering can still be defeated.
“Even if Figures wins reelection, his district will likely be redrawn again after the election.”
National impact
The backlash to the Callais decision has mobilized Black voters across Southern states, with increased turnout in Louisiana, South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
“Black turnout has risen in 80 percent of counties nationwide compared to the last midterm election.”
Long-term consequences
The Supreme Court’s gutting of the Voting Rights Act has created a new voting rights struggle in Alabama, with potential for broader national impact.
“This midterm election you’re going to see people come out in droves because they see democracy has become fragile.”
The short version
Supreme Court’s removal of Voting Rights Act protections has mobilized Black voters in Alabama, turning a Republican-held district into a competitive race for Rep. Shomari Figures.
