SB119 Alabama 2021 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: J.T. WaggonerSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2021
Title: Municipal elections, dates for, revised, ballot printing requirements further provided for, time frames for run-off elections specified, Secs. 11-46-6, 11-46-21, 11-46-22, 11-46-25, 11-46-26, 11-46-55, 17-11-12 am'd.
Summary: SB119 updates Alabama municipal election dates and procedures, adds a requirement for Ethics Commission confirmation before printing ballots, and adjusts runoff and ballot timing.
What This Bill Does
The bill moves regular municipal elections to a specified August date (starting in 2025) and updates the runoff timing after elections. It changes the notice publication windows and requires offices to be designated by number for clarity when multiple offices share a name. It requires the Alabama Ethics Commission to confirm that a candidate has met filing requirements before their name may be printed on ballots, and it updates ballot printing, distribution, and absentee ballot timelines. It also includes technical language updates to align with current style and procedures.

Who It Affects
Voters in Alabama municipalities, especially in Class 5 cities, whose election dates and runoff rules are updated and who participate under the new ballot printing and notice timelines.
Municipal officials and candidates (mayors, city council members, election staff, and candidates) who must follow new filing confirmations, ballot formatting, runoff procedures, and ballot distribution rules.

Key Provisions
Regular municipal elections to be held on the fourth Tuesday in August (with changes taking effect in 2025) and runoffs to occur under a revised timing framework after the regular election.
The mayor must publish election notices under updated timing and format rules, including notice publication windows for regular and special elections.
Before ballots are printed, the Alabama Ethics Commission must confirm that a candidate has complied with filing requirements for candidacy.
Ballot design and formatting updated: all ballots must show a single form for all candidates, with offices designated by number when appropriate, and candidate names printed only if qualified under the new filing rules.
Runoff election rules clarified: procedures for runoff elections, including tie-breaking and ballot printing for runoffs, are revised.
Printing and distribution deadlines for ballots and absentee ballots are updated to align with the new election dates and runoff timelines.
Effective date: the act becomes law on January 1, 2022, with specified sections taking effect as amended.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Elections