The primary runoff election between Jeff Sessions and Tommy Tuberville that was originally set for March 31 has now been rescheduled to July 14.

According to Ivey, this was not a decision that was made lightly, but after being encouraged to do so by Attorney General Steve Marshall and Secretary of State John Merrill, she said it was necessary for the safety of Alabamians.  

"Exercising my extraordinary powers under the Emergency Management Act, I am setting Alabama’s Primary Runoff Election for July 14, 2020,” Ivey said in a press release. “The ability to hold free and fair elections is an inherent right as citizens of the United States and the great state of Alabama, but the safety and wellbeing of Alabama citizens is paramount.

In the press release, Ivey also encouraged Alabama citizens to continue using precautions when interacting with others in order to control the spread of the virus. 

“Our State Health Officer, Dr. Scott Harris, is recommending that we should practice social distancing and refrain from public gatherings of more than 25 individuals," Ivey said. "Maintaining a 6-foot distance between one another is paramount. This guidance alone would be making an election day a hotbed for spreading the virus."