MONTGOMERY – By an overwhelming 81% to 19% margin, the Alabama Republican Party executive committee voted to approve a resolution calling for party registration and closed primary elections.
Republicans had become outspoken in favor of the closed primary elections following the State Senate District 27 primary outcome that resulted in incumbent State Sen. Tom Whatley's (R-Auburn) defeat by one vote out of 16,745 votes cast to Auburn City Councilman Jay Hovey, with some Democrat crossover voters claiming credit for swaying the election.
Prior to the vote, ALGOP chairman John Wahl said the objective of the resolution was to make a recommendation to the Alabama Legislature for the closed primaries with the anticipation that the legislature would handle the specifics.
Resolution as follows:
"Chairman Wahl looks forward to working with our legislature and other elected officials to implement this resolution," ALGOP communications director Jeannie Negrón Burniston said in a statement about the resolution's passage.
Baldwin County Republican Party chairman Michael Hoyt, who spoke in favor of the resolution, argued Alabama could look to Florida as a template for a closed primary system.
The legislature is expected to consider the motion when it reconvenes for the new quadrennium in March.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com.
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