When voters in Foley head to the polls on November 3, 2026, the ballot will extend well beyond choosing political candidates. Alabama voters will decide four statewide constitutional amendments that address executive succession, local school district administration, and traditions within public K-12 education. Because constitutional amendments permanently alter state law and administrative rules, voting on these ballot measures gives citizens a direct voice in shaping long-term public policy.
Statewide Amendment 1: Executive Succession and Legislative GovernanceAmendment 1 modifies how vacancies in the office of the lieutenant governor are filled and updates rules governing legislative expenditures:
- Special Elections for Vacancies: Currently, if a vacancy occurs solely in the lieutenant governor’s office, it can remain unfilled for the remainder of the term. Amendment 1 would require a special election to fill the vacancy if it occurs within the first two years of the term or more than 60 days prior to the next general election.
- Legislative Oversight: The measure explicitly addresses legislative authority regarding salaries and requires formal leadership approval before legislative funds can be spent on official travel.
Statewide Amendment 2: Local School District ConsolidationAmendment 2 establishes a formal constitutional procedure for combining local school systems across county lines:
- Multi-County Districts: Under this proposal, two or more county school boards could merge into a single multi-county school district.
- Mandatory Impact Study & Referendum: Before a merger proposal can be submitted to voters, the State Board of Education must conduct a comprehensive impact study evaluating educational quality, facility needs, transportation logistics, and financial effects. Any proposed consolidation would then require referendum approval from voters in the affected territories.
Statewide Amendment 3: Pledge of Allegiance and Student PrayerAmendment 3 sets statewide standards regarding patriotic and religious expression in public K-12 education:
- Daily Pledge Recitation: Local school boards would be required to implement policies ensuring the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in all public K-12 schools.
- Voluntary Participation: The amendment explicitly safeguards individual student rights by specifying that participation in the pledge remains voluntary.
- Student-Led Prayer: It authorizes student-initiated, student-led prayer during the school day and at school-sponsored events.
Statewide Amendment 4: Weekly Performance of the National Anthem Amendment 4 introduces a weekly requirement for public schools regarding the national anthem:
- Weekly Recitation/Broadcast: Local school boards must establish policies requiring all public K-12 schools to broadcast or present a performance of the first stanza of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at least once per week.
- Compliance Options: Schools may fulfill this requirement using either recorded audio broadcasts or live performances by students.
Making an Informed Decision at the Polls Participating in ballot decisions is a fundamental aspect of local self-governance. While elected representatives serve limited terms, these constitutional changes will establish lasting administrative guidelines across Foley and the state of Alabama. Voters are encouraged to review each proposed amendment carefully before casting their ballots on November 3.
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