Governor Bentley Calls Special Election for House District 80

MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley on Monday announced the timeline for a special election to fill the vacant District 80 seat in the Alabama House of Representatives.

District 80 covers portions of Lee and Russell Counties.  The District 80 House seat was previously held by Representative Lesley Vance, who passed away last Tuesday after an extended illness.

According to the special election timeline finalized Monday:

  • A Special Primary Election for the District 80 House seat will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2016.  Or, in the event that a Special Primary Election is not necessary because the major parties have only one candidate, the Special General Election will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2016.
  • If necessary because of one candidate not receiving a majority of the votes in the Special Primary Election, a Special Primary Runoff Election will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2016.
  • If a Special Primary Runoff Election is not necessary because one candidate receives a majority of the votes in the Special Primary Election, the Special General Election will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2013.
  • If a Special Primary Runoff Election is required, the Special General Election will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2013.

“This timeline gives candidates time to qualify, allows voters time to learn about candidates, and allows time for those who are unable to vote in-person to arrange to vote by absentee ballot,” Governor Bentley said. “Representative Vance was a great man and a dedicated public servant. I know the next representative for District 80 will be a strong advocate for people in the district, just like Rep. Vance was during his time in the Alabama House of Representatives.”

Candidates qualifying with major political parties must do so by Tuesday, November 17, 2015, at 5:00 p.m.  The two major political parties are to certify their qualified candidates to the Secretary of State by no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2015.

All third-party candidates, independent candidates, and/or minor party candidates seeking ballot access are advised that their deadline for filing the appropriate notification, petitions, or supporting paperwork with the Secretary of State is Tuesday, January 19, 2016, at 5:00 p.m.

A copy of the Governor’s proclamation can be found here.