HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Polls close at 7:00 p.m. for the 2022 Alabama Primary Election.
Up for grabs are the offices of Governor, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, and a variety of State Senate and Representative seats.
One competitive race that hasn't been seen for a while? Limestone County Sheriff. Former Sheriff Mike Blakely, who served for more than 30 years, was removed from office in 2021 after felony convictions for First-degree Theft of Property and Use of Official Position for Personal Gain. Five republicans are running for the office.
That's not the only competitive race. Eight republicans and six democrats are challenging incumbent governor Kay Ivey for her seat. U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks wants to move to the Senate seat being vacated by retiring senator Richard Shelby and faces five Republican and three Democrat challengers. Six Republicans and two Democrats are vying for Mo Brooks's seat.
So what happens after the primary?
It depends. If one candidate in a race receives more than 50% of the vote, they automatically move to the general election in November.
If no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, the top two vote-getters head to a runoff.
It's important to remember that Alabama does not allow crossover voting. Whatever party you voted for in the primary, you have to vote for the same party in the run-off. If you didn't vote in the primary, you can vote for either party in the run-off.
Alabama's primary and runoff elections are partisan, that is, you can only vote for one party's candidates. The general election is open, meaning you can vote for candidates from any party. Alabama does not require you to choose a party when you register to vote.