Governor Kay Ivey has amended the proclamation for Alabama's August 11 Special Primary Election as critical deadlines loom and the state awaits a U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding congressional maps. This action comes after a federal court on May 26 temporarily barred Alabama from using the 2023 congressional map drawn by the Legislature, instead ordering the use of a court-drawn map for the 2026 congressional elections.
The amendment ensures candidates are running in the correct districts amidst the ongoing legal uncertainty. Governor Ivey expressed her position, saying, "While I remain hopeful the U.S. Supreme Court will allow Alabama to move forward with our August 11 Special Primary Election using our own congressional map, I am taking the necessary preparations as critical election deadlines approach." She added, "I will continue to say: Alabama knows our state, our people and our districts best."
Should the U.S. Supreme Court issue a favorable ruling for Alabama, the August 11 Special Primary Election will proceed using the 2023 congressional map originally drawn by the Alabama Legislature, as outlined in the governor's May 12 proclamation. This amendment is a precautionary measure to navigate the legal challenges before the upcoming election.