Residents of a small town in Alabama will finally be able to participate in their own municipal elections after decades of being denied the right. Following a four-year legal battle, a proposed settlement has been reached, allowing the town of Newbern, which is predominantly Black with 133 residents, to hold its first legitimate elections in over 60 years. The town is now set to hold elections in 2025.
The settlement was filed on June 21 and still awaits approval from U.S. District Judge Kristi K. DuBose.
For years, Newbern’s mayor and council members were appointed by white officials instead of being elected by the community. Most residents were unaware that they were supposed to vote for these positions.