Huntsville. AL – Governor Kay Ivey announced the signing of Senate Bill 231 during the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber’s Alabama Update, addressing a crowd of over 1,000 attendees. The bill, sponsored by Senator Arthur Orr and Representative Scott Stadthagen, mandates that businesses receiving state incentives must conduct elections by secret ballot.
In her speech, Governor Ivey emphasized the significance of Alabama’s automotive manufacturing industry and contrasted it with Michigan’s auto sector, noting the growth and resilience of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in Alabama compared to the closures and layoffs experienced in Detroit.
“Alabama is not Michigan. Huntsville…Tuscaloosa…they’re not Detroit!” Ivey declared. She highlighted the ongoing success of Alabama’s automotive plants and reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining this momentum. “As governor, it’s my priority to keep it that way.”
The governor also referenced the upcoming secret ballot election at the Mercedes plant in Tuscaloosa, stressing the importance of worker participation. “It is my hope that every worker there votes – it’s crucial that every voice is heard,” she said, advocating for the protection of Alabama’s values and jobs.
Governor Ivey underscored the purpose of Senate Bill 231, which requires any business benefiting from state incentives to conduct a secret ballot election. “This bill, brought forward by North Alabama’s own Senator Arthur Orr, will require any business that receives incentives to hold an election by secret ballot,” she stated. “This is only right so that every vote is counted.”
Concluding her speech, Ivey reinforced her commitment to protecting Alabama jobs from external influences. “We will not let this threat from Detroit deter our progress, deter our hope and deter our folks’ prosperity.”
The new law is effective immediately, aiming to ensure fair voting processes in Alabama businesses and safeguard the state’s economic interests.
