Polls Open Under Gray Skies
By Virginia Martin
Voters began going to the polls across the state at 7 a.m., many of them braving threats of rain but not the severe weather that had been predicted.
In fact, voters will be going to the polls across the country today for the highly watched mid-term elections in a political season that has churned up debate mostly about its potential effect on the Republican-Democratic balance in the U.S. House and Senate.
Alabama’s congressmen and women are on the ballot today, but one of those seats flipping from one party to the other would be surprising. Here, the focus is on the election because it will decide all of the top state and county officeholders for the next four years.
The governor’s race is top of the ticket, along with the races for chief justice, attorney general and all of the other statewide offices. Voters also will be choosing their legislators, judges, court officials, county commissioners, board of education members, sheriffs, district attorneys and others.
In addition, there are four constitutional amendments on the statewide ballot that would: authorize display of the Ten Commandments on state property and at schools and other public places; oppose abortion and state that “the constitution of this state does not protect the right to abortion or require the funding of abortion;” alter membership of the board of trustees of the University of Alabama; and state that there will not be a special election to fill any seat in the Legislature that becomes vacant after Oct. 1 in the third year of a four-year term.
Jefferson County voters will decide on a proposed constitutional amendment that would lift the lid on property taxes in Homewood.
In Shelby County, a proposed constitutional amendment would make seats on the county Board of Education and the superintendent of education elected positions.
Alabama has a record 3.4 million registered voters this fall, but Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill has predicted voter turnout will be near record lows, possibly in the 25 percent to 40 percent range.
Jefferson County Board of Registrars Chairman Barry Stephenson said he expects 190,000 to 200,000 of the county’s 480,000 registered voters to cast ballots today.
He said his office has been monitoring the weather, and he hopes the rain and thunderstorms predicted will have moved out before the polls open. But the polls statewide will open at 7 a.m., regardless of weather.
If you haven’t decided for whom you want to vote in some of the races, the BirminghamWatch Voter Guide has information on the races and the candidates, a printable sample ballot, and information about how to find your polling place and deal with other issues that could come up during voting.
Foreign nationals propel U.S. science. Visa limits under Trump could change that
The incoming Trump administration is likely to crack down on the H-1B visas used by tech companies and research institutions to hire top talent from other countries.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants on Thursday for Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, for alleged war crimes in the Gaza Strip.
Are you a caregiver for an adult? How has it changed you?
Many who care for family members and loved ones at home say it can be very stressful but also rich in meaning. Share your story and insights.
MF DOOM’s music was his legend. The man himself was the myth
The late rapper's 2004 album MM..FOOD may never have the classic status of its sister release, Madvillainy. But 20 years later, it's the one to play if you want to hear the essence of his artistry.
Here’s how Trump and the GOP may try to weaken Obamacare
Republican control of the White House and Congress sets the stage for potentially seismic changes including curtailing Medicaid, weakening patient protections, and increasing premium costs for millions.
Richer countries are starting to pay poorer ones for climate change damages
With climate-related disasters getting more extreme, richer countries are piloting ways to compensate developing nations, since they bear the least responsibility for causing climate change.
