Montgomery, AL – In a move aimed to uphold the integrity of Alabama’s electoral process, the Alabama Legislature has passed SB 186, a bill aimed at prohibiting ranked choice voting in the state’s elections. Wes Allen, Alabama’s Secretary of State, expressed his strong support for this measure, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the principle of “one-person one-vote.”
“Before I was Alabama’s Secretary of State, I publicly opposed the concept of ranked choice voting in Alabama elections,” Secretary Allen affirmed. “Elections conducted using ranked choice voting violate the fundamental principle of ‘one-person one-vote.'”
Ranked choice voting, a system where voters are required to rank candidates in numerical order, has faced criticism for its potential to confuse voters, increase the number of spoiled ballots, and cause delays in election results.
“Ranked choice voting makes winners out of losers by redistributing votes to losing candidates until one candidate is assigned a majority of the votes,” Secretary Allen explained. “Alabama elections are fair, secure, and transparent. Elections that utilize ranked choice voting have no place in Alabama.”
Acknowledging the efforts of Senator Arthur Orr and Representative Mark Shirey in advocating for the legislation, Secretary Allen commended their dedication to ensuring the integrity of Alabama’s electoral process.
“I want to thank Senator Orr and Representative Shirey for their hard work shepherding this legislation through both chambers of the Alabama Legislature,” Secretary Allen stated. “This legislation will strengthen the integrity of Alabama elections and protect the vote of Alabama citizens. I am proud to see SB 186 head to the Governor’s desk.”
To further underscore his stance against ranked choice voting, Secretary Allen penned an op-ed outlining his opposition to the practice. In the op-ed, he elaborated on the necessity of safeguarding Alabama’s elections and ensuring they remain among the most secure in the nation.
Wes Allen, serving as Alabama’s 54th Secretary of State, holds the critical role of the state’s Chief Elections Official. With over 1,000 duties entrusted to the Secretary of State by Alabama law, Allen remains committed to upholding the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
For more information about the Secretary of State and his responsibilities, visit www.sos.alabama.gov.
