Open letter to Alabama Gov Kay Ivey and Secretary of State about election integrity: op-ed
We are writing on behalf of your constituents across the state with serious concerns over the integrity of the midterm election to be held on November 3, 2026.
Ryan Cooper 
Editor's note: This is a guest opinion column.
In a direct appeal to leadership, concerned constituents across Alabama are calling on Governor Kay Ivey and Secretary of State Wes Allen to address growing anxieties regarding the integrity of the midterm election set for November 3, 2026.
Rising Concerns Ahead of November
Voters are highlighting several critical issues that have sparked widespread apprehension, including:
- Redistricting Chaos: Recent changes mid-cycle voided thousands of votes from the May 19 primary, leading to significant voter confusion.
- Legal Battles: The state’s involvement in an “emergency appeal” to the Supreme Court—seeking to implement an Executive Order targeting mail-in voting before the midterms—has raised alarms.
- External Interference: Objections have been raised regarding rhetoric from President Donald Trump, specifically unfounded claims regarding non-citizen voting.
Demands for Transparency and Access
As the election approaches, advocates are pressing the Governor and the Secretary of State for public commitments on several key fronts:
- A pledge to keep federal agents away from polling locations.
- A promise to honor absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day and to count all eligible provisional ballots.
- A guarantee that voter rolls will not face purges or “maintenance” ahead of the vote.
- A commitment to ensuring polling sites are accessible in all communities, including rural and minority neighborhoods, fully equipped with adequate staff, machines, and ballots.
The Audit Act and Future Accountability
While Governor Ivey signed the Alabama Post-Election Audit Act (House Bill 95) in April—mandating audits for statewide and countywide races—critics argue that an after-the-fact audit is insufficient. There is an urgent call for proactive measures to secure a fair and free process on Election Day itself.
The constituents conclude by urging a public statement from state leadership to ensure every Alabamian's right to vote remains protected.
This letter was submitted by Amy Clayton of Indivisible West Alabama and Maura Mandyck of Indivisible Mobile.
