Under existing law, whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of United States Senator less than four months but more than 60 days before a general election, the vacancy is filled at that election. If the vacancy occurs more than four months or less than 60 days before a general election, the Governor is required to call a special election. Under existing law, whenever a vacancy occurs, the Governor is authorized to make a temporary appointment to serve until a successor is elected and qualified.
This bill would require the Governor to appoint a person to a vacancy in the office of United States Senator and issue a writ of election to fill the office for the remainder of the term at the next general election occurring more than one year after the vacancy occurs. The bill would also provide that if the vacancy occurs within 76 days of the general election immediately before the end of the term of the office, the election would proceed and if the incumbent received the most votes, there would be a vacancy in the office, to be filled by appointment of the Governor.
Constitution, Campaigns and Elections second Amendment Offered
Pending third reading on day 13 Favorable from Constitution, Ethics and Elections
Read for the second time and placed on the calendar
Read for the first time and referred to the Senate committee on Constitution, Ethics and Elections
Engrossed
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted Roll Call 78
Motion to Adopt adopted Roll Call 77
Clouse Amendment Offered
Clouse motion to Table adopted Roll Call 76
Clouse motion to Table adopted Roll Call 75
Constitution, Campaigns and Elections Amendment to CCE Amdt Offered
Constitution, Campaigns and Elections Amendment Offered
Third Reading Passed
Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 2 amendments
Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Constitution, Campaigns and Elections
Source: Alabama Legislature