Secretary of State candidate Jim Zeigler called the 23% voter turnout in Alabama’s May primary “discouraging” but says he has a plan to improve turnout if elected.
Zeigler led the May primary for Secretary of State with 43%, but 50% plus one vote is required for the nomination. He faces a runoff with state Rep. Wes Allen of Troy, who received 39% of the vote in the first primary. The runoff is next Tuesday, June 21.
The Secretary of State is Alabama’s chief elections officer.
“The current Secretary of State’s office ran a successful campaign to increase voter registration. The result was that Alabama now has the highest percentage of registered voters in its history and one of the highest in the nation. But registration is not the problem now — lack of turnout on election day is. Voters not turning out on election day is a major challenge,” Zeigler said.
“When voters don’t turn out, the wrong person can get elected – a candidate who does not stand for the majority of the people,” Zeigler said.
“A turnout of 10% to 15% has been predicted for the June 21 runoff. “
Zeigler says his plan is modeled after Alabama’s successful campaign that increased voter registration. “My plan is named ‘Don’t Vote, Don’t Complain.’ It will involve churches, employers, TV and radio personalities, athletes, celebrities, and civic groups. The goal is to double voter turnout within four years. It is an achievable goal.”
“If elected, I would become Secretary of State in January 2023. I will have a trial version of the plan ready by the first special election. I will seek to have the plan active in all counties by the vital 2024 Presidential election.”
“I expect the naysayers to say this plan is silly or impossible. I will ignore them while getting it done.”
The Secretary of State is an open seat with incumbent John Merrill term-limited.
