Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued a video message Monday encouraging residents of the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th Congressional Districts to participate in Tuesday’s special primary elections.
“Fellow Alabamians, if you live in the first, second, sixth, or seventh congressional districts, you have an election to vote in on Tuesday, August 11,” Ivey said. “The success of the United States Congress depends on all of us showing up to vote. So, let’s do our civic duty and head to the ballot box this Tuesday, August the 11.”
“By participating in this special election, you’ll help ensure Alabama’s voice continues to be heard in Washington,” Ivey added in a separate statement.
Even with Ivey’s encouragement, participation is expected to be low in Tuesday’s special elections following turnout of just 23.12 percent in the original May primaries and an even lower 10.72 percent in the June runoffs.
The special primary elections are taking place as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to allow Alabama to revert to its 2023 congressional maps, which federal courts had previously blocked over illegal racial gerrymandering. In May, Ivey called a special session of the Alabama Legislature, establishing August 11 as the date for the congressional special elections in anticipation of the court’s ruling.
In the 1st Congressional District, former U.S. Representative Jerry Carl, John Mills and Austin Sidwell will compete for the Republican nomination, while Democrat Clyde Jones is running unopposed.
Several Republican candidates are running in the 2nd Congressional District for the chance to face incumbent U.S. Representative Shomari Figures, D-Alabama, including Trump-endorsed state Representative Rhett Marques, Hampton Harris, Christian Horn, David Matthews, Joshua McKee and James Richardson.
In the 6th Congressional District, 12-year incumbent U.S. Representative Gary Palmer, R-Alabama, faces Republican challenger Case Dixon, while Jacob Bouma-Sims, Ashtyn Kennedy, Maurice Mercer and Keith Pilkington will compete for the Democratic nomination.
In the 7th Congressional District, Ammie Akin and David Perry are running for the Republican nomination to face incumbent U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, in the general election.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.
