LDF Seeks Preliminary Injunction in Lawsuit Challenging Racial Discrimination in Newbern, Alabama’s Electoral Practices

From Legal Defense Fund

Last week, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) and co-counsel Quinn, Connor, Weaver, Davis, & Rouco LLP filed a motion for a preliminary injunction in Braxton et al., v. Stokes et al., a federal lawsuit challenging racially discriminatory voting and electoral practices in Newbern, Alabama. The motion asks the United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama to compel the town of Newbern to hold elections in November so that residents of the town may exercise their fundamental right to vote.

The lawsuit, filed in March 2023 by Quinn, Connor, Weaver, Davis, & Rouco LLP and joined by LDF with an amended complaint in September 2023 on behalf of Black Newbern residents, alleges that  white officials in Newbern have manipulated the political process to remain in power in this majority-Black town.

The plaintiffs claim they have continually faced unlawful discrimination in attempting to vote and hold office in Newbern. For decades, Newbern has not held mayoral elections. After the first Black mayor, Patrick Braxton, came into office in November 2020, the defendants arranged an illegal and secret special election, which prevented Mayor Braxton from appointing a majority-Black town council and Newbern voters from electing their candidate of choice for town council.

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“For decades, Newbern residents have not had the opportunity to participate in municipal elections—a clear violation of state and federal law. We urge the Court to order new elections be held this November to ensure Newbern residents’ voices are finally heard,” said Morenike Fajana, Senior Counsel at LDF.

Head to the original article to see the motion.

We have seen some success against voter suppression over the last several years.

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