From the Trussville Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill is requesting a postponement of the March 31 Runoff Election, due to the coronavirus outbreak.
After the declaration of a National Emergency by President Donald Trump and the declaration of a State of Emergency by Governor Kay Ivey, Merrill requested an emergency opinion from the Attorney General’s Office on the matter.
“In the nature of keeping Alabamians safe from the potential spread of the virus, Merrill has asked if, under the emergency powers granted to the Governor under Section 31-9-1 et seq. Ala. Code, the Governor has the authority to postpone the election,” his office said in a statement.
Currently, neither the Code of Alabama nor the Constitution of the State of Alabama allow for the suspension, delay, or postponement of an election once the date has been set.
Merrill said in 2019, his office “asked the Legislature to give the Governor the explicit power to be able to take prescribed action through means that would be codified.” The measure was unsuccessful. This year, Merrill’s office asked Senator Donnie Chesteen and Representative David Standridge to introduce this legislation once again.
“The health and well-being of the people of this state are of paramount importance,” the statement read. “In order to effectively practice social distancing, as recommended by the President of the United States, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the Alabama Department of Public Health, etc., the March 31 Runoff Election must be postponed.”
In the meantime, Secretary Merrill has recommended others to follow the guidelines set out by the CDC:
- Stock up on supplies
- Keep space between yourself and others
- Avoid crowds
- Wash hands often
- Avoid touching nose, mouth, and eyes
For questions or concerns, contact the Office of the Secretary of State at (334) 220-4757.