SB55 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Sections 17-6-22, 17-9-3, and 17-14-31 to provide an alternative ballot access method for recognized political parties and independent candidates.

• Political party nominees may pay an assessment fee equal to two percent of one year's salary for the office sought instead of collecting voter signatures, with fixed fees of $50 or $150 for unremunerative county and statewide offices.

• Independent candidates may pay the same assessment fees required of party nominees instead of obtaining signatures equaling three percent of qualified electors who voted in the last gubernatorial election.

• Presidential candidates nominated by party convention or petition may alternatively qualify by paying an assessment fee equal to two percent of the President's annual salary or $5,000, whichever is less.

• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor.