SB23 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Feb 17, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Garlan GudgerSenator
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: Elections; special primary election for redistricting authorized in certain circumstances
Summary: SB23 would require a new special primary for districts affected by late redistricting when boundary changes cannot be handled inside the normal primary schedule.
What This Bill Does
SB23 creates a requirement for a special primary for only the districts that were redrawn when the boundary changes occur too late for the usual primary. The special primary must be completed by August 31 and affects only the districts that were redrawn. Regular primary results for affected offices would not determine the party nominee; nominees would be decided by the new special primary (and any runoff), and eligible candidates could appear on the special ballot. The Governor would issue a proclamation within five days of the triggering event, and nominee certification would follow the new special primary rules.

Who It Affects
Voters in districts that were redrawn, who may vote in the new special primary for those districts.
Candidates for offices in the affected districts who were in or eligible for the regular primary and must participate in the new special primary and be re‑evaluated for nomination.

Key Provisions
Adds Section 17-13-3.1 to authorize a new special primary for districts affected by redistricting under certain circumstances.
Requires the special primary to be completed by August 31 and limited to the districts affected by redistricting.
Stipulates that regular primary results for affected offices shall not determine party nominees if a special primary is required; nominees are determined by the new special primary (and any runoff).
Governs the Governor's proclamation timing (within five days of the triggering event) and directs certification of nominees under the new special primary rules.
Effective immediately upon enactment.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Elections, Voting, & Campaigns