2018 Voter Guide: Ballot Initiatives
The 2018 Midterm Election is Alabama's next chance to vote. This statewide election will determine seats for local, state, and federal positions. Read more about Voting in the 2018 Midterms: What You Need to Know.
Amendment #1: Ten Commandments Amendment
This proposed amendment would authorize the display of the Ten Commandments on government property including public schools.
The ACLU opposes this Amendment because a constitutional display of the Ten Commandments is already permissible and the Amendment does nothing to further religious liberty. The Amendment is likely to result in litigation against government entities, including public schools, that could result in an award of attorneys’ fees against them for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Amendment #2: Anti-Abortion Amendment
This proposed amendment would declare that the state of Alabama must recognize and support the “rights of unborn children.”
The ACLU opposes this Amendment because it attempts to criminalize abortions with no exceptions (i.e.: life of the mother, instances of rape, etc.). Health care shouldn't be a decision left up to lawmakers in Montgomery.
Amendment #3: University of Alabama Trustees Amendment
This proposed amendment would remove the state superintendent from the board, establish districts for membership, and eliminate the 70 year age cap for board members.
The ACLU takes no position on this Amendment.
Amendment #4: Legislature Vacancy Amendment
This proposed amendment would allow a vacated seat in the Alabama House or Senate to stay empty until the next general election if the vacancy occurs on or after October 1 in the third year of a term.
The ACLU takes no position on this Amendment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Dates and Deadlines
- October 22, 2018 - Voter registration deadline for general election
- November 1, 2018 - Last day to apply for an absentee ballot for the general election
- November 5, 2018 - Last day for voter to hand-deliver or postmark an absentee ballot
- November 6, 2018 - Statewide General Election
Resources
We have also created resources to help inform Alabamians about voting in the 2018 midterms.
- Handout: 2018 Voter Guide [PDF]
- Infographic: Road to the 2018 Midterms [PNG]
- Infographic: I'm Ready to Be a Voter [PNG]
- Infographic: Crossover Voting in Alabama [PNG]
- Infographic: While You Are Voting [PNG]
Page last revised: August 6, 2018
