Alabama Secretary of State candidates make pitches ahead of runoff

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) —  State Auditor Jim Zeigler and State Consultant Wes Allen will go head-to-head in subsequent week’s runoff for Alabama Secretary of State. Zeigler gained about 43% of the vote within the main; Allen gained about 40%.

Zeigler stopped at a senior middle in Clanton at present the place he shared with voters why he’s working for Secretary of State.

Zeigler says his report as auditor exhibits he’s a “watchman” over state authorities, noting he filed the preliminary ethics grievance in opposition to former Gov. Robert Bentley.

“If actions converse louder than phrases, then Jim Zeigler needs to be the Secretary of State,” Zeigler stated.

Zeigler says if elected he’d work to extend voter turnout and guarantee Alabama’s elections are safe.

“I might function the watchman for election integrity in opposition to poll harvesting, in opposition to election manipulation, in opposition to all mail-in balloting, in opposition to all of those liberal reforms which are being pushed that might be manipulated,” Zeigler stated.

Challenger Wes Allen is a present state consultant and has spent ten years as a Pike County probate decide, studying the ins and outs of native election operations.

“I do know what it’s wish to work with the circuit clerks and with the sheriffs and board of registrars and ballot staff. I’ve executed it begin to end. I believe that’s what the voters need. They need someone with expertise who’s going to face sturdy — to ensure we have now good election safety, election integrity and transparency,” Allen stated.

As a lawmaker, Allen touts his work sponsoring and passing payments banning curbside voting and personal cash in elections.

“There’s no one else on this race with extra expertise as a probate decide working elections and as a state legislator that’s ready on day one to step in that workplace and be the subsequent Republican Secretary of State,” Allen stated.

Each Zeigler and Allen will attend a Q&A occasion hosted by the Eagle Discussion board Monday night time in Gardendale to additional share their message with voters.