Ivey Signs Redistricting Election Bills Into Law
New laws allow Alabama to hold Special primaries if courts restore the State’s 2021 and 2023 district maps
Governor Kay Ivey on Friday signed House Bill 1 (HB1) and Senate Bill 1 (SB1) into law, clearing the way for Alabama to hold special primary elections if federal courts allow the State to return to earlier Congressional and State Senate district maps.
The legislation came after lawmakers completed a fast-moving Special Session called by Ivey earlier this week. The measures are tied to Alabama’s ongoing redistricting fight and recent legal action connected to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais.
In a statement released Friday, Ivey said the State is now prepared to move quickly if courts rule in Alabama’s favor:
“With this Special Session successfully behind us, Alabama now stands ready to quickly act, should the courts issue favorable rulings in our ongoing redistricting cases. I thank the Legislature for answering my call to address the issue in fast order. I am grateful to Speaker Ledbetter and Pro Tem Gudger for their strong leadership and focus this week. Alabama knows our State, our people and our districts best.”
Under the new laws, the Governor can call Special primary elections in congressional and State Senate districts affected by court rulings tied to Alabama’s map disputes. The legislation would apply if and only if injunctions blocking the Legislature’s earlier maps are lifted.
State officials are seeking permission to restore Congressional districts passed by the Legislature in 2023 and State Senate districts approved in 2021. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and Secretary of State Wes Allen recently filed emergency motions asking courts to reconsider earlier rulings after the Supreme Court’s decision in the Louisiana case.
Ivey first announced the Special Session on May 1, saying lawmakers needed to prepare for possible court action ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
The State’s regularly scheduled primary election on May 19 will still move forward as planned. However, if courts lift the injunctions and restore the previous maps, Alabama could hold Special elections in districts where boundary lines changed under court-ordered maps.
HB1 (now Act 2026 — 612) focuses on Congressional districts, while SB1 (Act 2026 — 613) addresses State Senate districts. Lawmakers passed both measures during the weeklong Special Session after heated debate over voting rights and representation.
The redistricting dispute has remained active since federal courts ordered Alabama to redraw its congressional map to create a second district where Black voters could elect a candidate of their choice. Court-ordered maps were later used in recent elections.
Despite considerable drama surrounding the debate and passage of HB1 and SB1, any actions which they might authorize are contingent upon court approval — which effectively means that the fate of Alabama’s current maps lies ultimately with the U.S. Supreme Court.
