SB55 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Elections, political parties, candidates, requirements for ballot access, Secs. 17-6-22, 17-9-3, 17-14-31 am'd.

Summary

SB55 would let qualified political parties and independent candidates pay an assessment fee to place their nominees or names on the general election ballot instead of collecting voter signatures.

What This Bill Does

The bill creates an option to pay an assessment fee for each candidate to appear on the general election ballot, instead of the current signature collection requirement. It sets specific fee amounts, including 2% of one year's salary of the office for each candidate, with lower flat fees ($50 or $150) for unremunerative offices. Independent candidates can also use the fee option, and if they pay the fee, they do not need to gather signatures. The changes apply alongside existing election laws and filing deadlines, and the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Political parties recognized under Section 17-6-22: can choose to pay an assessment fee for each nominee to appear on the general election ballot instead of collecting 3% signatures.
• Independent candidates: can choose to pay the same assessment fee to have their names appear on the general election ballot, eliminating the petition-signature requirement if the fee is paid.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 17-6-22 to allow political parties to pay an assessment fee for each candidate nominated to place them on the general election ballot, as an alternative to the 3% signature requirement.
• Specifies assessment fees for party nominees: 2% of one year's salary of the office, or lower amounts ($50 or $150) for unremunerative offices depending on the scope of the election.
• Amends Section 17-9-3 to allow independent candidates who pay the assessment fee to have their names printed on the ballot without petition signatures; outlines when signatures would otherwise be required.
• Amends Section 17-14-31 to ensure presidential electors can be certified or nominated via an assessment-fee option, with applicable fee structure (2% of one year's salary or $5,000 maximum).
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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

Subjects

Elections