Redistricting Isn’t Over: How Alabama’s Local Maps Shape Your Daily Life
When people hear the word “redistricting,” they often think of congressional maps, court cases, and big headlines. But while those national conversations grab attention, local redistricting is happening quietly in communities across Alabama—and its impact on daily life is just as important.
What is Local Redistricting?
Local redistricting is the process of redrawing district lines for city councils, school boards, county commissions, and other local governing bodies. It usually happens after the census every 10 years, but adjustments can occur in between when there are population shifts.
These lines determine:
Which schools your children attend
Who represents you on your city council
How resources are distributed in your community
When these lines are drawn unfairly, it can diminish the voices of certain communities, especially Black, Latinx, and rural populations.
Why Local Redistricting Matters
You might not feel the effects of congressional decisions daily, but local decisions shape your everyday experiences:
Education: School board district lines influence funding, school zoning, and education policies. An unfair map can lead to underfunded schools in certain neighborhoods.
Infrastructure: County commissioners decide which neighborhoods get road repairs, public transit routes, and park improvements. If maps dilute certain communities’ power, those areas might see fewer improvements.
Public Safety & Healthcare: Local representatives have a say in police budgets, fire departments, and community health services.
Simply put: Local maps shape the quality of life in Alabama’s communities.
The Problem with Gerrymandering at the Local Level
Gerrymandering happens when district lines are drawn to favor one group over another, limiting fair representation. While it’s often discussed at the state or federal level, gerrymandering can be even more harmful locally.
For example, by splitting a predominantly Black neighborhood across multiple districts, the community’s collective voting power is reduced. This makes it harder for them to elect leaders who will advocate for their needs.
What’s Happening Right Now in Alabama?
Currently, Alabama is at a critical point in the redistricting fight as several cities and counties are reviewing or adjusting local district maps. These changes will affect elections, representation, and resource allocation through 2030.
Two major court cases, Milligan v. Merrill and Caster v, Merrill, are being heard in federal court. These cases focus on whether Alabama will retain the newly drawn congressional district created after a Supreme Court ruling that found the previous map diluted Black voting power.
The new district offers Black voters a real opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice, representing a significant step toward fairer representation. In fact, because of this newly drawn district, Alabama witnessed a historic moment when Shamori Figures was elected to Congress. This victory marks the first time a Black candidate has represented this district, signaling a major milestone in Alabama’s journey toward equitable representation. (Read more about Shamori Figure’s historic win here.)
However, the state’s ongoing legal challenges threaten to reverse these gains. The outcome of these cases will not only determine Alabama’s congressional map for the next decade but also set a precedent for voting rights and representation across the South.
How You Can Get Involved
You don’t have to be a policy expert to participate in local redistricting. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Stay Informed:
Attend Public Hearings:
Most redistricting processes include public comment periods. Show up, ask questions, and share your perspective.
Bring neighbors, friends, and family—a larger presence sends a message that the community is paying attention.
Review Proposed Maps:
Maps are often shared online before approval. Review them to see how your neighborhood is affected.
Don’t hesitate to ask local officials to explain how maps were drawn and why.
Submit Feedback:
Provide written comments or testify at hearings. Share how proposed maps could impact your community’s access to resources.
Partner with Advocacy Groups:
Organizations often have experts who can break down complicated maps and explain how changes could impact voting power.
Why Early Engagement Matters
Once maps are approved, they’re often locked in for years. Now is the time to get involved—before the 2026 elections, which will include local races shaped by these districts.
Local redistricting may not get the national headlines, but it affects how power and resources are shared in your community every single day. By staying engaged and advocating for fair maps, Alabamians can ensure their voices are heard—not just in federal elections, but in the decisions that impact their daily lives.
Your community. Your voice. Your power. Get involved today.