SB336 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

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

SB 336 would lower the signature requirements for statewide ballot access and adjust filing deadlines for political parties and independent candidates in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends election laws to reduce how many signatures are needed for ballot access for statewide candidates. For political parties, the required signatures would be lowered to 3.5% of qualified electors who voted for Governor in the last general election, with signatures due by noon on the third Wednesday after the second primary. For independent statewide candidates, the required signatures would be lowered to 1.5% of Governor voters, with filing by 5:00 PM on the date of the first primary election. The changes would take effect immediately after the Governor signs the bill.

Who It Affects

• Political parties seeking statewide ballot access in Alabama: face a lower signature hurdle and a revised filing deadline.
• Independent candidates for statewide office: face a lower signature hurdle and a defined filing deadline.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 17-6-22 to require at least 3.5% of qualified electors who voted for Governor in the last general election to sign a petition for a statewide party to gain ballot access, with filing by noon on the third Wednesday after the second primary.
• Amends Section 17-9-3 to require at least 1.5% of qualified electors who voted for Governor in the last general election to sign a petition for a statewide independent candidate, with filing by 5:00 PM on the date of the first primary election (as specified in Section 17-13-3).
• Maintains related ballot printing and certification processes (Secretary of State certification 74 days before the general election and ballot printing by the judge of probate under specified conditions).
• Effective date: immediately after 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