HB564 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kerry Rich

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Wes Long

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Marshall Co., board of education, election of members from four single-member districts and county-wide, district boundaries, board authorized to change boundaries of election districts, procedures

Summary

Marshall County will switch its board of education elections to four district seats plus one county-wide at-large seat, with district boundaries adjustable after census to meet one-person-one-vote.

What This Bill Does

The bill creates a five-member board with four district representatives and one at-large member, and sets how districts are drawn and how elections are conducted. It allows the board to redraw boundaries after each federal census to ensure equal voting power, with required public notice and mapping. It requires residency requirements for candidates (90 days in the appropriate district or in the county system) and establishes how vacancies are filled. It also ensures compliance with voting rights laws and notes that the measure only takes effect after a constitutional amendment is ratified.

Who It Affects

• Voters in the Marshall County school system: will vote for four district board members and one at-large member, with district boundaries defined by the board and potentially reapportioned after census.
• People who want to run for or currently serve on the Marshall County Board of Education: must meet residency requirements for district or at-large seats; incumbents may continue serving if boundaries change; vacancies must be filled by a qualified resident from the appropriate area.

Key Provisions

• The board will have five members: four district representatives and one at-large member.
• Initial districts are tied to four areas named Ashbury, Douglas, Brindlee Mountain, and DAR; boundaries set by the board.
• Elections for district seats and the at-large seat are by majority vote; terms follow the existing election cycle.
• Candidates must reside in their district (district seats) or in the Marshall County school system (at-large) for at least 90 consecutive days before qualifying.
• After the federal census, the board may redraw district boundaries to create single-member districts that comply with one-person-one-vote; changes must be approved at least 180 days before first use and accompanied by public notice and a map.
• If boundaries change, incumbents may continue to serve the remainder of their term; vacancies are filled by residents of the appropriate district or county.
• The act requires compliance with the Federal Voting Rights Act; if the Department of Justice does not approve, the act has no effect.
• The bill becomes effective only after a constitutional amendment ratification.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Marshall County