Bill to allow Joe Biden on ballot advances in Legislature

Alabama House and Senate committees on Wednesday morning approved bills to change the deadline in state law for political parties to get their presidential candidates on the ballot for the November election.

The Democratic convention comes after the Aug. 15 deadline. Secretary of State Wes Allen notified the Democratic party of the problem last week.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the bill by Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, after a short discussion and without opposition. Coleman’s bill would change the deadline for parties to certify their candidates from 82 days before the election, which falls on Aug. 15 this year, to 74 days before the election.

The Democratic convention starts on Aug. 19 this year.

The House Constitution, Campaigns, and Elections Committee approved an identical bill by Rep. Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, also without opposition.

The committee approvals move Coleman’s bill into consideration by the full Senate and Daniels’ bill into position for consideration by the full House.

The change in the deadlines would only apply to this year’s election.

The Legislature has had to adjust the deadlines before, including in 2020.

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