HB488 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mike Ball

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Primary elections, runoff election held if no candidate receives at least 35 percent of votes, Sec. 17-13-18 am'd.

Summary

HB488 would require a runoff primary if no candidate in a multi-candidate primary earns at least 35% of the votes.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 17-13-18 to set a 35% threshold for triggering a second primary in any primary with more than two candidates. If no candidate reaches 35%, a second primary is held on the sixth Tuesday after the first primary, with only the two top vote-getters from that first primary competing in the runoff. If a candidate does reach 35%, no second primary is held. The bill also outlines certification, ballot preparation, and official participation processes by state and county officials to conduct the second primary and nominate the party’s candidate for the general election.

Who It Affects

• Voters in Alabama who participate in multi-candidate party primaries, who may vote in a second primary runoff if no candidate reaches 35%.
• Election officials and party organizations (county and state executive committees, Secretary of State, and judge of probate) who certify nominees, produce ballots, and run the second primary.

Key Provisions

• Sets 35% as the threshold to trigger a second primary in any primary with more than two candidates.
• Requires a second primary on the sixth Tuesday after the first primary if no candidate reaches 35%; the two top vote-getters advance to the runoff.
• Specifies certification and ballot-creation steps by state and county officials and committees for the second primary.
• If a candidate earns at least 35% in the first primary, no second primary is held.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage.

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

Subjects

Elections