A panel of federal judges has blocked Alabama from using a new congressional voting map for the upcoming November midterm elections. The court ruled that the map discriminates against Black voters. This decision prevents the use of the proposed districts just months before the vote.

The state intends to appeal the ruling. Governor Kay Ivey, a Republican, has planned special primaries in August for four affected House districts. This action adds complexity to the electoral process in the South, where Republican-led legislatures are rapidly establishing new district boundaries following the Supreme Court’s recent weakening of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These developments are complicating how lower courts apply this pivotal civil rights statute.

In a detailed ruling, the panel stated, “We cannot see our way clear to requiring Alabamians to cast their votes in the 2026 elections under a districting plan tainted by intentional race-based discrimination.” They cautioned about further confusing voters by implementing a new map before the November elections. The judges acknowledged the seriousness of their decision but stated, “we do not find the issue particularly complex or close.”

This situation is evolving, and more information will be provided as it becomes available. Emily Cochrane, based in Nashville, is covering developments in the American South for The Times.