Familiar Democratic Donkey Gone from Alabama Ballot

The traditional donkey logo signifying the Democratic ticket won’t appear on Alabama’s ballots in November’s election, though the Republican elephant will still be there.

State officials say the change was requested by the state Democratic Party itself, though party officials now say there was an internal miscommunication that led to the change. The new logo says “Alabama Democrats” in block letters. Some Democrats are worried that the lack of the familiar animal could hurt its party’s vote.

Democratic Executive Director Bradley Davidson says the change was not approved by the party’s executive committee. It’s too late to change the ballot now, so party officials are trying to get the word out to local officials and voters.