With a U.S. Senate election later this year and statewide contests in 2018, Republicans are again trying to keep Democrats out of GOP runoffs. “We feel it’s important, simply, that we pick our team and they pick their team,” said Terry Lathan, chairwoman of the Alabama Republican Party. Senate Bill 108, which passed that chamber, and House Bill 372, require the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office to create rules and procedures to keep someone from voting in a runoff if they didn’t vote in the preceding primary.
Last week, both bills were sent to the House Constitution, Campaigns and Elections Committee subcommittee for further review, but a vote is expected today.
Some Republican House members were skeptical. “Cutting off crossover voting was the beginning of the end for the Democratic Party,” said Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile. “How do you enforce it?”
Secretary of State John Merrill last week said electronic poll books would make it easier to know instantly if someone voting in a runoff had voted in a primary. They were piloted in 25 counties in last year’s election.
Full Article: GOP proposal would prevent crossover voting | State Capital | decaturdaily.com.