HB808 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jeff McLaughlin

Democrat

Co-Sponsor

Frank McDaniel

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Marshall Co., circuit and district judges, nonpartisan election

Summary

HB808 would require Marshall County circuit and district judges to be elected on a nonpartisan basis using a special nonpartisan ballot, and it would shift party-related duties to the probate judge.

What This Bill Does

It sets nonpartisan elections for Marshall County circuit and district judges and creates a separate Official Nonpartisan Circuit and District Judicial Ballot. Voters can cast judicial votes without participating in party primaries, and runoffs (if needed) would be held using the same nonpartisan ballot in the general election. If there is no opposition in a primary, that race would be decided in the general election on the nonpartisan ballot, and the winner from the primary would be carried to the general ballot. It also transfers duties that are currently handled by political parties to the judge of probate.

Who It Affects

• Voters in Marshall County who vote for circuit and district judges (they will use a nonpartisan ballot and can vote for judges without participating in party primaries).
• Candidates for Marshall County circuit and district judge positions (they will run on a nonpartisan ballot with specified runoff and general-election procedures).
• Political parties in Marshall County (their election-related duties are moved to the judge of probate).

Key Provisions

• Judicial offices in Marshall County (circuit and district) must be elected on a nonpartisan basis with a designated Official Nonpartisan Circuit and District Judicial Ballot listing all candidates.
• A separate nonpartisan ballot is used for these races during the primary and, if needed, again for the general election due to runoffs; no party symbols appear on the ballot.
• If there is no opposition in the primary, no ballot for that race is issued in the primary but it will be decided in the general election on the nonpartisan ballot; if a runoff is not needed, the primary winner's name goes to the general ballot.
• All duties and responsibilities currently delegated to political parties are transferred to the judge of probate.
• The act takes effect immediately after passage and approval by the Governor (or when it otherwise becomes law).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Marshall County