SB70 Alabama 2020 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Cam Ward
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2020
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 70 would lower the voter-signature requirements and adjust the submission timing for ballot access for political parties and independent candidates for statewide office in Alabama.
What This Bill Does
The bill reduces the number of qualified electors' signatures needed for political parties and independent candidates to gain ballot access for statewide offices. It also changes the time window or deadline by which those signatures must be submitted. The changes apply specifically to statewide ballot access processes and amending the related sections of state election law, with the measure taking effect immediately upon governor's approval.

Who It Affects
Political parties seeking to place statewide candidates on the ballot would face lower signature requirements and a modified submission timeline.
Independent candidates seeking statewide office would face lower signature requirements and a modified submission timeline.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 17-6-22 to reduce the number of signatures required for political parties to gain ballot access for statewide offices and to modify the submission timeframe for those signatures.
Amends Section 17-9-3 to reduce the number of signatures required for independent candidates to gain ballot access for statewide offices and to alter the submission deadline for those petitions (including deadlines tied to the first primary election).
Specifies the new thresholds and submission deadlines within the amended sections (the exact revised percentages and dates are defined in the bill text).
Effective date: immediately after passage and approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Elections