HB334 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bob FincherRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Primary elections, top two vote getters, regardless of party affiliation, come candidates for general election, Secs. 17-13-19, 17-13-20, 17-13-21, 17-13-42 repealed; Secs. 17-5-2, 17-5-7, 17-5-8, 17-6-21, 17-6-22, 17-9-3, 17-11-12, 17-13-1, 17-13-2, 17-13-3, 17-13-7, 17-13-8, 17-13-16, 17-13-18, 17-13-50, 17-16-45, 17-16-46, 21-4-21 am'd.

Summary

HB334 would replace partisan primaries with a single all-candidates primary ballot for state and local offices, and the top two vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party.

What This Bill Does

It creates a unified primary system where all qualified candidates, including independents, appear on one primary ballot and all qualified electors may vote on that ballot. The two candidates with the highest votes in the primary, regardless of party, would move to the general election. The Secretary of State would adopt rules to implement the act, and several existing primary-related sections would be repealed or amended to fit the new system.

Who It Affects

• Voters: qualified electors would vote on a single, all-candidates primary ballot instead of party-specific ballots.
• Candidates and political parties: independent candidates can appear on the same primary ballot, and the top-two finishers advance to the general election; many current party-primary provisions would be repealed or changed.

Key Provisions

• Establish a primary election system for state and local offices where all qualified candidates, including independents, appear on one primary ballot and all electors may vote on that ballot.
• The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes in the primary, regardless of party affiliation, would be placed on the general election ballot.
• Repeal Sections 17-13-19, 17-13-20, 17-13-21, and 17-13-42 and amend numerous related sections (e.g., 17-5-2, 17-5-7, 17-5-8, etc.) to implement the top-two system.
• Authorize the Secretary of State to adopt rules to carry out the provisions of the act.
• Set the act to become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and 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

Primary Elections