Montgomery mayor issues statement on redistricting decision

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed responded following the decision from the Supreme Court to move forward with the Alabama government's plan to redraw congressional maps.  

The decision has proved controversial with a number of lawmakers such as Rep. Terri Sewell, who has called it a move to "erase" black votes. 

Reed made similar comments in his statement, calling it "troubling." He invoked the Civil Rights Movement that led to the Voting Rights Act. Actions by the Supreme Court have sought to change key aspects of the legislation that concerns congressional mapping. 

See below for the rest of Reed's comments on the matter: 

"Decisions involving representation and voting access strike at the core of whether every community has a fair opportunity to be heard." 

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"At a time when public trust in institutions is already strained, we should be working to strengthen confidence in our democracy - not weaken it." 

"Progress is rarely permanent unless people are willing to protect it. History shows that when people organize, participate, and refuse to be silenced, progress remains possible." 

"Montgomery will continue to stand on the side of civic participation, equal representation, and the principle that every voice deserves to be heard." 

The City of Montgomery's Facebook page provided an FAQ on the potential impact of redistricting during the May 19 primary and can be found here.