Bill to close primaries dies without vote

A bill that would have restricted Alabama primary elections to registered voters of each party died in the Senate Thursday without a vote. 

HB541 by Representative Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, has been one of the top priorities of the Alabama Republican Party as it hopes to stamp out any independent or Democratic voters from influencing which candidates represent the party in general elections.

The bill also had the backing of U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, who is looking to be the next Republican governor of Alabama.

It made it onto the calendar on the final day, but never even came up for discussion, much less a vote. Not all Republican lawmakers were on board, especially those in purple districts where independent voters can make or break an election.

“I hope you all understand what this means to the party,” House Speaker Pro Tem Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, said during floor debate. “The party is asking us to commit suicide.”

Democrats generally opposed the bill on the grounds that it excludes some voters from the primary process. But they also posited that closing primaries would backfire on Republicans and flip seats for the Democrats.

For now, Alabama’s primaries will remain open to all.