Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey makes announcement on postponement of March 31 primary runoff. Joined by Attorney General Steve Marshall and Secretary of State John Merrill. Posted by al.com on Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Gov. Kay Ivey has postponed the March 31 primary runoff because of the coronavirus pandemic until July 14.

Ivey cited the risk to voters and poll workers in making the decision to delay the March 31 runoff.

“We would be taking a human health risk just by having people stand in line waiting to vote,” the governor said. "I’m also aware that our faithful poll workers are often retired and among those who have the highest risk of the disease."

Ivey made the announcement in a press conference this morning with Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill and Attorney General Steve Marshall.

New dates for pre-election deadlines, such as sending in absentee ballots are being announced.

The governor announced her decision one day after Marshall issued an opinion that she had the authority to postpone the election under the state’s Emergency Management Act. Marshall issued the opinion after a request from Merrill.

Some local officials had spoken out about the need for postponement to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus to voters and to poll workers, who tend to be older people who are generally more susceptible to serious illness from the infection.

Louisiana, Georgia, and Ohio postponed their primaries.

The biggest statewide race on the ballot is the runoff for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate.

Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a statement today supportive of the postponement decision.

The statement said, in part: “We intend to maintain our vigorous campaign up until the last day, even as we are careful to do so in a manner that puts the health and safety of the public first.”

Sessions also called on his opponent, former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville to debate. The Tuberville campaign had said it was too late in the campaign to debate.

“It will be very difficult for Tommy Tuberville to hide from debates for four months. He will have to conquer his fears, and face me and the voters,” Sessions said.

Tuberville’s campaign sent a statement about the postponement this afternoon.

“I understand Gov. Ivey’s decision to postpone the runoff until July 14 and join her in encouraging all Alabamians to stay safe, be kind to their fellow citizens, and follow all guidelines related to the Coronavirus,” Tuberville said. “I pray that the current health crisis will be brought under control and that lives will be saved.”

Former state Rep. Barry Moore of Enterprise, a candidate in the runoff for the Republican nomination in Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, issued a statement supporting the postponement.

“I think Governor Ivey did the right thing by moving the election," Moore said. “Many of our poll workers are ‘Seasoned Citizens’, and they’re one of the most vulnerable groups. There’s no way we’d be able to limit the polls to 10 people or keep several feet of distance between them. Having the election on March 31st, we would run the risk of hurting voter turnout and that is an affront to our democratic process.”

Moore faces Dothan businessman Jeff Coleman in the runoff.

Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan issued a press release about the runoff delay Wednesday morning.

“With the uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus as it moves across our nation and confirmed cases in Alabama continue to increase, we support the administration’s prudent measures and decisions to protect Alabamians,” Lathan said. “While these are concerning and unknown times, we appreciate our leaders implementing a safe atmosphere for our probate and election officials, poll workers, campaigns, candidates and voters. The old saying ‘better safe than sorry’ is truly applicable in these unknown circumstances.”

Merrill said the July 14 election day would allow local election officials time to adjust to the new date. The postponement changes several deadlines for voters.

People can now register to vote in the runoff until June 29. They have until July 9 to apply for an absentee ballot. Absentee ballot applications already successfully submitted will be valid, Merrill said.

Absentee ballot applications can be obtained online at the Secretary of State’s website or at county absentee election manager offices.

The deadline to turn in an absentee ballot by hand is July 13. Absentee ballots sent by mail must be postmarked by July 13.

Merrill encouraged people who don’t want to go to the polls because of concerns about the spread of the coronavirus to vote by absentee ballot. State law requires voters to check a box on the absentee ballot application stating why they are voting absentee. Merrill said people who are concerned about the coronavirus should check the box that says: "I have a physical illness or infirmity which prevents my attendance at the polls."

Merrill has previously supported legislation removing the requirement to give a reason for voting absentee. Lawmakers have introduced legislation for “no excuse” absentee voting this year.

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, who will face the winner of the Sessions-Tuberville runoff in November, issued a statement commending the postponement of the runoff.

“Amid this COVID-19 public health emergency, I commend Governor Ivey’s decision to delay the runoff election until July 14th," Jones said. "Right now, everyone’s top priority should be to stop the spread of the virus and keep folks safe at home, and that includes allowing Alabamians to vote absentee and vote by mail. It’s crucial that we expand access to the ballot box, enact early voting and expand opportunities to vote by mail in Alabama so that all eligible voters are able to participate in our democracy.”

Aside from talking about the election today, Ivey stressed the need to follow guidelines on social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, and staying home as much as possible. The governor, attorney general and secretary of state tried to set an example by standing apart at today’s press conference. A limited number of media outlets were invited to the press conference and seating for the press was widely spaced.

“This too shall pass folks,” Ivey said. “It truly will pass. But it will only pass by following doctors’ advice, by using a little common sense and by having some patience.”