SB214 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Elections, independent candidate and political parties, ballot access, filing fee, Secs. 17-6-22, 17-9-3 am'd.

Summary

SB214 would shift the deadline for independent ballot-access signatures to the end of the qualifying period and require independent candidates to pay a filing processing fee, with fees used for elections administration.

What This Bill Does

It changes the deadline for submitting signatures by independent political parties to the end of the qualifying period (instead of the first primary election date). It maintains the 3% signature threshold based on Governor votes from the last general election. It requires independent candidates to pay a processing fee at the time they file for ballot access, with the fee equal to the lowest qualifying fee for the office, and directs those fees to the Comptroller for election administration. The measure becomes effective immediately upon the Governor's approval.

Who It Affects

• Independent political parties seeking ballot access: must collect and submit signatures totaling at least 3% of qualified electors who voted for Governor in the last general election, by the end of the qualifying period.
• Independent candidates seeking ballot access: must file petitions with at least 3% of qualified electors, pay a processing fee at filing (amount equal to the lowest qualifying office fee), and submit by the end of the qualifying period.

Key Provisions

• Amends 17-6-22 to require independent party signatures to be filed by 5:00 PM on the date the qualifying period ends (not later than the end of the qualifying period as defined by 17-3-5).
• Maintains the requirement that signatures equal at least 3% of the qualified electors who cast Governor votes in the last general election.
• Adds a requirement in 17-9-3 that independent candidates pay a processing fee at the time of filing, equal to the lowest qualifying fee for the office as defined by law, and filed by the end of the qualifying period.
• Distributes all processing fees to the Comptroller's office to be used for election administration.
• Effective date: immediately upon the Governor's approval.

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