MONTGOMERY, Ala. – In addition to selecting nominees for the general election, Alabama primary voters on May 19 will have the opportunity to weigh in on two proposed amendments to the state’s constitution.
Lawmakers introduced both amendments during last year’s legislative session. They advanced to the ballot after achieving a three-fifths majority vote in both chambers of the Legislature.
The first amendment, proposed by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, through Senate Bill 118, would expand the list of criminal offenses for which judges may deny bail to defendants. If passed, the amendment would add attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and soliciting murder, as well as shooting into an occupied dwelling or vehicle.
This amendment was introduced as part of Gov. Kay Ivey’s 2025 “Safe Alabama” package of bills designed to improve public safety and reduce crime.
Crimes like first-degree rape, kidnapping, sodomy, burglary and domestic violence already allow judges to deny bail.
The second proposed amendment on the ballot deals with district attorney’s compensation.
Introduced by Rep. Jim Hill, R-Odenville, via House Bill 354, the amendment prohibits state entities from lowering district attorneys’ pay during their term.
To succeed, the amendments need to receive a simple majority vote from Alabamians.
All state legislative seats and constitutional offices are also up for election in 2026.
The primary is May 19. May 4 is the deadline to register to vote.