Alabama voters approved four constitutional amendments Tuesday night, including one that purports to give public officials the authority to display the Ten Commandments on public property and another amendment that essentially declares Alabama a "pro-life" state.
Alabama voters said yes to Amendment 1, which concerned adding language to the Alabama Constitution intended to grant public officials the ability to display the Ten Commandments on public property. This includes public schools.
Amendment 1 garnered more than 70 percent of the vote and was the first to be called by the Associated Press.
Displays must meet "constitutional requirements" if displayed publicly. Appropriate times for the Ten Commandments to be displayed, in the amendment, are in educational settings and historical displays, though there is some disagreement about how that will shake with U.S. Supreme Court precedent.
Amendment 2 got 60 percent support. The amendment will create a public policy around anti-abortion in the state, classifying Alabama as a "pro-life" state.
Supporters of the amendment say it was written in preparation for the possibility that the U.S. Supreme Court—now with a solidly conservative majority—may overturn Roe v. Wade and other precedents protecting abortion rights nationally.
Alabama constituents voted "yes" on Amendment 3, as well. It concerns the University of Alabama Board of Trustees, halting the board from changing in size based on the 2020 Census and change of congressional districts.
Amendment 4 was voted "yes" by Alabama voters. This will decrease the number of special elections for the Alabama House and Senate in the future. If a vacancy occurs within 13 months of a statewide election, the seat will remain vacant until that election.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
