By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A growing debate over Alabama’s voting system is drawing attention as former U.S. Senator Doug Jones throws his support behind efforts to eliminate straight-ticket voting.
Jones, now a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, announced his support for proposed legislation that would end the option of selecting all candidates from one party with a single checkmark.
“Alabama has far too few contested races,” Jones said, arguing that eliminating the option would encourage more thoughtful voting and stronger competition, especially in down-ballot races.
The move, however, has sparked division within the Democratic Party. Alabama Democratic Conference Chairman Joe Reed strongly opposed the change, warning it could weaken the party and even calling for supporters of the idea to be “excommunicated.”
Jones pushed back on that stance, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue within a “Big Tent” party and noting that voters would still be free to support one party—they would simply need to select each candidate individually.
Political experts say straight-ticket voting often benefits incumbents and limits crossover voting. Alabama is one of only a handful of states that still allows the practice.
The proposal, sponsored by Rep. Mary Moore, continues to gain attention as lawmakers weigh its impact on future elections.