What's On Alabama's 2020 Ballot?
In case you haven’t heard, we’re just days away from what has been labeled as one of the most important elections in a generation. But what you may not know is what to expect to see on your ballot. (ICYMI: We’re voting for more than just the president and vice president.)
There are several state ballot measures every Alabamian will be voting on. Sen. Doug Jones’s term is up, and he’s being challenged by former Auburn University football coach, Tommy Tuberville. There are also a few races to watch in Alabama’s seven congressional districts – especially in the lower half of the state where incumbents Rep. Bradley Byrne and Rep. Martha Roby are passing the baton. And as if our constitution wasn’t already the longest and most amended in the world (yes, really), we’re also voting on six statewide constitutional amendments.
With only days left until Election Day, it’s crucial each of us pays close attention to what’s happening in our own backyard. After all, it’s what’s closest to home that affects us the most. To see what local items you’ll be voting on, use your address to access a sample ballot. Think of it like a study guide to help you prepare for Election Day.
Before we dive into the details, be sure to also check out our Alabama Voters Roadmap to 2020 which outlines the pros and cons of all three Alabama voting methods and gives step-by-step instructions for how to execute each one.
Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. If you aren’t familiar with some of these ballot measures or candidates below, we encourage you to do your homework before checking the boxes.
Presidential and Vice Presidential Race
This big-ticket item is almost certainly what you’ve heard most about on the news, in line at the coffee shop and around the dinner table. Held once every four years, the general presidential election is arguably the most significant event in U.S. politics.
Donald Trump & Mike Pence (R, incumbents)
Joe Biden & Kamala Harris (D)
Jo Jorgensen & Spike Cohen (I)
Senatorial Race
As a Democrat in a reliable Red state, Sen. Doug Jones made history with his 2017 triumph over Roy Moore in a special election for Sen. Jeff Sessions’ seat. Will Jones continue to represent Alabama alongside Sen. Richard Shelby? Or will Tuberville make his D.C. debut?
Doug Jones (D, incumbent)
Tommy Tuberville (R)
Congressional Races
The number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives is determined by population. (We hope you completed the Census.) Alabama has seven seats filled by one representative from each of our congressional districts.
District 1
James Averhart (D)
Jerry Carl (R)
District 2
Phyllis Harvey-Hall (D)
Barry Moore (R)
District 3
Mike Rogers (R, incumbent)
Adia Winfrey (D)
District 4
Robert Aderholt (R, incumbent)
Rick Neighbors (D)
District 5
Mo Brooks (R, incumbent)
District 6
Gary Palmer (R, incumbent)
District 7
Terri Sewell (D, incumbent)
Alabama Public Service Commission President
The Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates the cost of services such as electricity, gas, water and telecom and consists of three elected members: the president and two associates. Associate Commissioners Jeremy Oden (R) and Chip Beeker (R) were elected in the 2018 midterm and will be up for reelection in 2022 when their four-year term expires.
Twinkle Cavanaugh (R, incumbent)
Laura Casey (D)
Constitutional Amendments
In this election, Alabama voters will see six proposed amendments to Alabama’s Constitution on the ballot. Even the savviest politicos can be intimidated by this section of the ballot, but don’t skip it – here’s our quick resource guide.
Amendment 1, Citizenship Requirement for Voting
What it proposes: To change language in the Alabama Constitution from “every citizen” to “only a citizen” of the United States who is at least 18 years old can vote in Alabama.
Proponents say: While this doesn’t change who can vote in Alabama, it signals policymakers in D.C. to crack down on alleged voter fraud by non-citizens nationally.
Opponents say: This change is unnecessary and could create opportunity for the legislature to restrict voting rights.
Amendment 2, Judicial System Restructuring
What it proposes: Six changes to Alabama’s judicial system:
To make it so that county district courts are not required to hold city court in cities with fewer than 1,000 people.
To give the power to hire the Administrative Director of Courts, an official that oversees Alabama’s court system, to the Alabama Supreme Court instead of the Alabama Chief Justice alone.
To increase the number of seats on the Judicial Inquiry Commission (JIC), a body that evaluates complaints against judges, from nine to 11.
To take the power to impeach and remove judges away from the State Legislature, leaving it to the Court of Judiciary, a body that hears complaints filed by the JIC.
To take the power to appoint members of the Court of Judiciary away from the Lieutenant Governor and give it to the Governor.
To prevent complaints filed with the JIC from automatically suspending judges.
Proponents say: As chief justices and their directors come and go, they create a revolving door. Harboring the position of administrative director of courts from that turbulence could help stabilize the judicial system.
Opponents say: Though the Court of Judiciary already hears complaints filed against judges, the State Legislature should have a say in judicial impeachments in the interest of checks and balances across branches.
Amendment 3, Judicial Vacancies
What it proposes: To extend the term of a judge appointed to fill a vacancy before they are required to run to keep their seat.
Proponents say: Qualified appointees sometimes turn down appointments because of the time they have to take away from practicing without the guarantee of a term worth its salt. This change will encourage better candidate pools whenever appointment opportunities come around.
Opponents say: We should not extend terms for officials who are not elected by the people. If their “trial period” goes well, then they will be reelected.
Amendment 4, Authorize Legislature to Recompile the State Constitution
What it proposes: To update the state constitution removing redundant, irrelevant and racist language. These revisions would be conducted by the legislature and approved by Alabama voters in a referendum.
Proponents say: We’re long overdue for this, and the current cultural conversation surrounding race this year makes it even more pressing. It’s not only a moral imperative one, but an economic one – an opportunity to shift our perception as a state in a positive direction.
Opponents say: While this amendment passed unanimously in the 2019 Alabama Legislative Session, similar measures were rejected by Alabama voters in 2004 and 2012 for potential undesirable outcomes related to taxes and education.
Amendments 5 and 6, "Stand Your Ground" Rights in Franklin County and Lauderdale County Churches
What they propose: To remove liability from a person for using deadly force in self-defense or in defense of another on church property in Franklin County and Lauderdale County respectively.
Proponents say: Alabama’s current “Stand Your Ground” law is insufficient. These amendments clarify that individuals do not have to attempt escape before exercising self-defense. For example, it may be unclear if a church security officer who rushes to another person’s defense would be covered by the current policy.
Opponents say: “Stand Your Ground” policies such as this lower the burden of proof for self-defense and create opportunity for unjust violence. Additionally, these amendments are unnecessary and redundant with Alabama’s “Stand Your Ground” law of 2006 that already applies to churches.
You can also access plain language summaries which are required by law to be provided by the Fair Ballot Commission on the Secretary of State’s website.
Our PUBLISHED by PERITUS takeaway is this:
In the U.S., our federal government system was designed to disperse and balance power so that no one person or entity steers the ship alone. While the presidential election has been dominating the news cycle, every race and every ballot measure should be approached with equal discernment. No ballot item is too small.
Take the time to access a sample ballot specific to your location and do your due diligence to vote with your values on everything from soup to nuts – it takes more than the main dish to make a great meal.