HB327 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

John Merrill

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Elections, political parties and independent candidates for statewide office, number of names required to gain ballot access, reduced, Secs. 17-6-22, 17-9-3 am'd.

Summary

HB327 would lower the number of signatures required for ballot access for parties and independent candidates and change the deadline for submitting those signatures.

What This Bill Does

The bill reduces the petition signature thresholds needed for political parties and independent candidates to appear on statewide or local ballots, with specific percentages depending on office type. It also changes the filing deadline for party signatures to be submitted by noon on the third Wednesday after the second primary election. Additionally, it outlines how election officials will certify qualified candidates and place names on ballots, and it becomes effective immediately after passage.

Who It Affects

• Political parties seeking ballot access for statewide or local offices: must meet new signature thresholds (3% for statewide-type qualification and 1.5% for local subdivisions) and file by the specified deadline.
• Independent candidates seeking ballot access for statewide or local offices: must meet new signature thresholds (1.5% for statewide, 3% for local) and file by the specified deadline.
• Election officials (Secretary of State and judges of probate): responsible for verifying signatures, certifying qualified nominees or independents, and printing ballots under the new rules.

Key Provisions

• Amends Sections 17-6-22 and 17-9-3 to set new signature thresholds: political parties must gather at least 3% (statewide) or 1.5% (local subdivisions) of Governor-vote electors for the last general election; independent candidates use 1.5% ( statewide) or 3% (local) depending on office.
• For party ballot access, signatures must be filed with the appropriate official by noon on the third Wednesday following the second primary election date.
• The Secretary of State must certify qualified nominees or independents after the second primary, and the judge of probate (or Secretary of State) shall prepare the ballot with those qualified candidates.
• Effective date: immediate upon passage and approval by the Governor.

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