According to the National Redistricting Foundation, voter turnout for the Democratic Primary in Alabama’s Second Congressional District was remarkably high. The turnout reportedly skyrocketed in the first election since the district became redrawn, allowing the party to pick up a key seat.
The NRF says there were 57,129 ballots in the district’s primary election Super Tuesday, with 95% of precincts reporting. This was a 133% increase over the 24,478 ballots cast in the 2022 Democratic primary. Then, the GOP primary had 56,970 ballots cast.
“I’ve voted since 1976. I think people are willing to speak up by voting,” said Montgomery radio station owner Benny Newton. Newton said that if people vote in the primaries, “then they’ll vote in the general, probably more so.” The district’s primary election had 19 candidates.
While eight were on the Republican ballot, eleven were on the Democratic. Both elections went to a runoff. “Voting in local elections is just as if not more important,” said Emily Smith, a University of Alabama graduate student. Smith reportedly drove four hours round-trip from Tuscaloosa to her polling place to vote in person.
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“I’ve voted in every local election for the second district since 2021,” Smith added. “I think this election is more contentious than previous presidential elections, so people are more inclined to vote.” The US Supreme Court made a historic ruling in the Allen v. Milligan case.
The court ruled 5-4 that the proposed Alabama congressional district map was gerrymandered, discriminating against Black voters. The state refused to redraw the map, defying the federal court order. However, they eventually drew a new map, allowing a second minority district.
“It’s clear that Alabama’s representative map is a boon for political participation,” said Marina Jenkins, executive director of the NRF. “That’s great news for democracy.” “When voters know they have the opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice,” Jenkins added. “They are more motivated to show up to the polls and fulfill their civic duties.”
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However, Dawson Wilcox, a student at Berkeley Law, attributed the increased voter turnout to the results of Allen v. Milligan. “The Montgomery area is very politically diverse,” Wilcox said. “And a vast swath of the population has never had a chance to make their voices heard at the federal level.”
Wilcox added, “I’m super excited that more people are getting representation in our government.” Furthermore, Wilcox said giving Black Alabamians more of a voice will improve voter turnout in November. The law student said, “Apathy is the enemy of democracy.”
Speaking about the voter turnout, Bill Foster, executive director of Aframsouth Inc., said it’s because of a new candidate. Foster believes that having a “young guy who’s charismatic,” referring to Democratic candidate Shomari Figures, increased the number of voters.
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He said that caused many young people to vote in the primary. Furthermore, Foster said some people do everything to vote against former President Donald Trump. “This is showing what could happen if you had districts that were actually fair,” said Kathy Jones.
Notably, Jones is the president of the League of Women Voters of Alabama. “When you’ve got an equal chance of winning,” Jones added. “Then you’re going to have people wanting to participate in work in elections and getting out there and voting.”
Since the primary on Super Tuesday, the state has implemented a new law. The new law criminalizes some aspects of absentee voter ballot assistance. However, advocacy organizations are now suing public officials over the new legislation.
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