The right to vote is the defining privilege of American government. Voting opportunities occur primarily in even-numbered years, and in 2008, the presidency, congressional seats and several state and local positions are on the ballot.
Voting is limited to those who register in advance. According to the secretary of state, Alabama’s voter rolls contain 2.5 million active registrants, representing 72 percent of the voting-age population. Others may register any time up to 10 days before an election through the secretary of state or their county’s board of registrars. Information is available at driver’s licensing offices, public libraries and local offices of some state agencies.
On Feb. 5, Alabama and 22 other states will hold a presidential primary. Voters will choose among contenders for the Democratic or Republican presidential nomination. The results will inform the national process leading to party nominating conventions in August and September.
On June 3, Alabama will hold its primary election, during which the Republican and Democratic parties (and any other qualifying party) will select candidates for the fall general election. Voters in the state’s seven congressional districts will select party candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives, who will serve the following two years. Voters statewide will select party candidates for one of the state’s two seats in the U.S. Senate, who will serve a six-year term. Primary voters also will select candidates for four state appellate court seats and four seats on the state board of education, plus other state and local offices.
Resolve to vote
On July 15, runoff elections will be held for any office with no clear winner in the primary election. Primary winners will then stand for election, along with the presidential candidates, at the general election Nov. 4.
Four years ago, 73 percent of Alabama’s registered voters participated in the presidential election. You and I should resolve to exercise our right in 2008.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Williams is executive director for the nonprofit, nonpartisan Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama.
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