Alabama Passes Bill Authorizing New State Primary If Courts Allow New Districts

The May 19 primary will still take place, but Gov. Ivey may call for a special election if a court rules in favor of the state’s ongoing redistricting case.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signs a bill on May 24, 2021. Courtesy of Gov. Kay Ivey's Office

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed legislation on Friday authorizing a new primary election in anticipation of a favorable court ruling in the state’s ongoing redistricting litigation.

The May 19 primary will still take place, Ivey said in a statement, but if the injunctions are lifted in Alabama’s redistricting case, she may call for a special election for certain state senate and congressional districts where boundary lines would change as a result of a reversion to older district maps.