What voters need to know about Alabama’s Aug. 11 special congressional primary election
Voters in 14 counties are in a different district than they were for the May primary.
Ethan Parker 
Alabama voters are facing an unconventional political season as state lawmakers and federal courts have reshuffled district lines, nullified previous election results, and set the stage for a critical late-summer special primary on August 11.
Key Details for the Special Primary
The upcoming special primary covers four of Alabama’s seven congressional districts, playing a pivotal role in determining the state's representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. These districts span 40 of the state’s 67 counties, and voters in 14 of those counties may find themselves in different congressional districts than they were during the May primary.
Candidates and Contested Races
There are five races on the ballot across districts 1, 2, 6, and 7. Republicans are facing contested races in all four, while one race features Democratic competition.
District 1: Candidates include Lucas Burger, Jerry Carl, John Mills, and Austin Sidwell.
District 2: The field includes Hampton Harris, Christian Horn, Rhett Marques, David Matthews, Joshua McKee, and James Richardson.
District 6: Voters will choose between incumbent U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer and Case Dixon. Additionally, the Republican primary field features Jacob Bouma-Sims, Ashtyn Kennedy, Maurice Mercer, and Keith Pilkington.
District 7: The candidates are Ammie Akin and David W. Perry.
Context on the New Map
The state legislature moved to void the May 19 results and authorize this special election after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for a GOP-favored congressional map. This decision overturned a prior ruling that the map violated the Voting Rights Act.
What Voters Need to Know
The special primary is open to all registered voters in the four affected districts, regardless of party affiliation. Top vote-getters in each race will advance to the November 3 general election, even if they do not secure a majority on August 11. Because these are district-level changes, polling locations remain unchanged; however, voters are encouraged to verify their district assignment and voting information at the Secretary of State website.
Important Deadlines
Absentee voting opened on June 17, and those interested can apply for a ballot here. The final day to register to vote is July 27, which is 15 days prior to the election. For additional assistance, voters should check “my voting information” or contact their county board of registrars.
