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An Editorial Opinion of the Greenville Advocate 

A U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Congressional redistricting could change the way Alabama voters approach the polls during the 2024 elections. 

After ruling the state’s current map to be a violation of citizens’ civil rights, the court selected a new map which impacts mostly voters in District Two, splitting off southern Alabama counting to extend the area from Georgia to the Mississippi line. 

What this means for many, like residents of Butler and Crenshaw counties, is the loss of longtime representatives whose hometown is no longer in the district. Rep. Barry Moore is one such congressman who is no longer qualified to represent the area he has served since 2021. 

Voters will want to do their homework before they cast votes in the 2024 primary to learn about which of the 21 qualified candidates – 13 Democrats and eight Republicans – commits to important voter values. For some, this will mean finding a new candidate to support in the absence of a familiar and trusted name. 

A variety of websites provide voter resources, such as the Secretary of State’s site at sos.Alabama.gov, and others give candidate background, such as ballotpedia.org. 

And, whether voters search the web or avail themselves of the opportunity to talk with candidates at a meet and greet event, one thing is certain – casting a vote will be a little more involved than before and learning about candidates beforehand will help ensure voter’s interest are represented well.