Jefferson County leaders respond to 'gerrymandering' lawsuit
A federal lawsuit filed Friday challenges commission districts in Jefferson County, accusing the Commission of illegally packing Black voters into two districts and limiting their influence in the other three and the direction of government.
READ MORE: Lawsuit challenges districts in Alabama's largest county
On Saturday, a spokesperson for Jefferson County released a statement.
Jefferson County has not yet been served with a lawsuit but would submit that its districts were drawn based on population changes in its districts, and in accordance with applicable law. As a matter of historical background, Jefferson County, pursuant to a Federal Consent Decree created five districts, two of which were drawn by design with majority African American voters to ensure African Americans would have two representatives of their choice in at least two districts. If we are served with a lawsuit we will review and respond appropriately in defense of the County’s actions.
District 2 Commissioner Shelia Tyson questions the 2020 census numbers and plans to speak with the County attorney on Monday to learn more about the lawsuit.
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She said, "because if it's something wrong I do want it fixed but I gotta see it in order to see and give my opinion on it."
Note: We also reached out to District 1 Commissioner Lashunda Scales' office for comment.
