HB552 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris EnglandRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Elections, independent candidates, number of signatures on petition to qualify for ballot access lowered for special elections, Sec. 17-9-3 am'd.

Summary

HB552 lowers the petition signature threshold for independent candidates in certain Alabama special elections.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 17-9-3 to change how many signatures independent candidates must gather to appear on the ballot in certain special elections. Specifically, the bill lowers the requirement to 1 percent of qualified electors who voted in the last Governor general election when the primary is held within 120 days after the Governor orders the special election; otherwise the requirement stays at 3 percent. The change only applies to those special elections that meet the timing condition; for all other elections, the current 3 percent rule remains in place. The bill does not otherwise alter how candidates are listed on ballots or the overall nomination process.

Who It Affects

• Independent candidates seeking ballot access in Alabama special elections would be able to qualify with as few as 1% of qualified electors who voted in the last Governor general election, if the special election timing condition applies (otherwise the requirement remains 3%).
• Qualified electors who sign petitions for independent candidates in those special elections would have a lower signature hurdle to meet, depending on the election timing.
• Election officials (Secretary of State and county judges of probate) would apply and certify the new threshold and related deadlines when placing independent candidates on the ballot.

Key Provisions

• Lower the independent petition signature threshold to 1 percent of qualified electors who cast ballots for Governor in the last general election for certain special elections where the primary date falls within 120 days after the Governor orders the special election.
• Maintain the existing 3 percent threshold for independent petitions in all other cases (general elections and special elections not within the 120-day timing window).
• Effective date: immediately following 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