What to know: Alabama’s four ballot amendments
BY DANIEL SCHMIDT
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
CHAMBERS COUNTY — When Chambers County voters go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 3, they will find four statewide constitutional amendments at the bottom of their ballot.
All four were approved by the state legislature this past spring and touch on subjects ranging from state government to what happens in public school classrooms each morning.
The Alabama Fair Ballot Commission approved language describing the four amendments in early August. Official explanations are posted on the Alabama Secretary of State’s website and will also be available at polling places on Election Day.
Each amendment needs only a simple majority of votes to pass. In every case, a “yes” vote changes the state constitution and a “no” vote leaves it as it is.
Amendment 1: Filling a lieutenant governor vacancy
The first amendment deals with three matters of state government. Its main purpose is to fill the lieutenant governor’s office if it becomes empty.
It would provide a way to fill the vacancy when it occurs more than 60 days before the next general election, which typically comes every two years. Under the current system, the office generally stays vacant until the next regularly scheduled election.
That gap is not hypothetical. When Gov. Robert Bentley resigned in 2017, then-Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey became governor, and the lieutenant governor’s seat sat empty until 2019, with then-Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh presiding over the Senate in the meantime.
Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) sponsored the measure, and it passed both chambers without opposition. Givhan has said the change would allow the office to be filled without additional cost to taxpayers.
The amendment also allows the legislature to set pay for the lieutenant governor and legislative officers by joint resolution. With a no vote, the constitution would continue to determine that pay.
Finally, according to the ballot summary, legislative travel expenses would need approval from an officer elected by that chamber, a requirement that does not currently exist.
Amendment 2: Merging county school systems
The second amendment creates a process for county boards of education to merge and requires the State Board of Education to complete an impact study before any merger, along with a protest process and a referendum. The study would have to be made public.
Residents would have a way to push back. If at least 25% of registered voters in an affected county school system file a written protest, the merger would go to voters and need majority approval at the next general election. The amendment also requires rules to carry out the merger process.
Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur) sponsored the amendment. The House approved it 96-2 and the Senate passed it unanimously. A no vote would leave the constitution without a process for neighboring county school boards to consolidate.
Amendment 3: Pledge of Allegiance and student-led prayer
Amendment 3 would require local school boards to adopt a policy having public K-12 students recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily, and would allow boards to adopt policies permitting student-initiated, student-led prayer.
Participation would not be mandatory. Students who choose not to take part could leave the classroom during the prayer and the pledge. Federal Education Department guidance already allows students to pray at school so long as it does not disrupt school activities.
Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Matthews) sponsored the amendment, which passed the House 94-4 and the Senate unanimously. Under a no vote, local boards would not be required by this amendment to adopt the pledge and prayer policies.
Amendment 4: The Star-Spangled Banner in schools
The final amendment would require local school boards to adopt policies for public K-12 schools to broadcast the first stanza of The Star-Spangled Banner once a week. The performance would take place during school hours.
Schools would have options. A school-approved band, choir, vocal group or soloist could perform the anthem instead, provided they use the version archived by the Library of Congress.
This measure drew the most opposition of the four in the Legislature. Sponsored by Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Cottondale) it passed the Senate 22-5 and the House 75-27.
A no vote would mean schools are not required by this amendment to broadcast or sponsor a weekly performance of the anthem.
Before you vote
Voters can read the full official ballot statements on the Secretary of State’s website at sos.alabama.gov, and can check their registration and polling place at myinfo.alabamavotes.gov. The general election is Nov. 3.
