Controversy is brewing in Alabama as claims of discrimination against the Democratic Party have surfaced. Montgomery, Ala. is at the center of this issue.
Alabama Democrats are currently embroiled in a dispute over their ability to select delegates to represent Joe Biden’s 2024 presidential campaign at the upcoming Democratic National Convention in August. The crux of the issue is centered around their perceived lack of autonomy in the delegate selection process.
According to Randy Kelley, the Alabama Democratic Party chair, the individuals chosen by the Democratic National Committee were not voted on by Alabama Democrats. Kelley expressed concern that this decision is discriminatory and that the selected delegates do not accurately represent the voter population in Alabama. He further argued that the DNC’s actions are diminishing the representation of Black voters.
Kelley believes that the act of violating the Voting Rights Act, as well as the 14th and 15th Amendments, is evident. “It’s a clear violation,” he stated.
According to Josh Coleman, a member of the national committee, things are different.
Coleman stated that the elected delegates who will serve in Chicago are a true reflection of the Democratic Party in Alabama.
According to Wayne Rogers, the chair of the Jefferson County Democratic Party, in certain states, campaigns have the option to select their own delegates. To do so, each state develops a delegation selection plan that is reviewed and approved by national and state parties. Rogers explained that in Alabama, the Biden campaign was given the opportunity to handpick their delegates based on the state’s plan.
As per Rogers, this is a common occurrence throughout history.
According to Rogers, the Biden campaign has chosen their own delegates from various states across the country this year. He also noted that this practice is not uncommon for incumbent presidents, as Jimmy Carter had done the same in the past.
From August 19 to 22, the convention in Chicago will be graced by the delegates selected by the DNC to represent Alabama.
