Alabamians, like everyone else, will turn out today in what are likely to be unprecedented numbers to vote not only for the next president of the United States but also for numerous state and county offices.There are more than 3 million registered voters in Alabama for the first time ever, according to the Secretary of States Office, which means more people than ever are likely to cast a ballot.
In addition to president and vice president, all Alabamians will be casting ballots for U.S. senator between incumbent Republican Jeff Sessions and Democrat Vivian Davis Figures. Other statewide races include Republican Greg Shaw versus Democrat Deborah Bell Paseur for associate justice of the state Supreme Court, Democrat Kimberley Harbison Drake versus Republican Bill Thompson for Court of Civil Appeals and Lucy Baxley and Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh for Public Service Commission. There are two seats up for grabs on the state Court of Criminal Appeals, with Democrat Clyde Jones and Republican Beth Kellum vying for one and Democrat Amy Cobb Smith and Republican Mary Windom competing for the other.
There are also six statewide constitutional amendments on the ballot, but five of them affect counties other than Talladega or St. Clair counties. Amendment One deals with the “Rainy Day Fund” to backstop the Education Trust Fund during times of proration.
Voters in both Talladega and St. Clair will be voting for state Board of Education District 3, where the candidates are Democrat Judy West Bell and Republican Stephanie Bell.
Some St. Clair County voters will be choosing between incumbent Republican Congressman Robert Aderholt and Democrat Nicholas Sparks. Congressman Spencer Bacchus is unopposed, as are the candidates for all county offices in St. Clair.
Talladega residents will vote for either incumbent Republican Congressman Mike Rogers or Democrat Joshua Segall.
The Talladega County Board of Education race in District 4 pits incumbent Democrat Larry Morris against Republican challenger Randy Tankersley. For County Commission Place One, Ed Lackey, the sole incumbent Republican, is being challenged by Jackie Swinford. Incumbent District 5 Commissioner John Carter is being challenged by Republican Bobby Ray Holmes. There are also eight constable races on the Talladega ballot, but only two are contested.
The polls will be open in both counties from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters should take identification to the polls, such as a driver’s license; Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security card; birth certificate; passport; or a utility bill or bank statement with the voter’s name and address, according to the Associated Press.
