AL HB397

Prohibits the City of Fort Payne from designating city council seats by place number or similar methods.

Eliminates the original runoff system requiring the top 10 candidates to compete for 5 seats; instead, candidates receiving a majority of votes (calculated by dividing total votes by positions then by two) are elected directly.

If fewer than five candidates achieve a majority, a runoff election is held with twice the number of remaining open positions competing for those seats.

Changes the vacancy threshold from 12 months to 24 months; vacancies exceeding 24 months are filled by special election, while vacancies within 24 months of quadrennial elections are filled by council appointment within 30 days.

Becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.