MONTGOMERY, Ala.– Gov. Robert Bentley on Friday announced a court-approved timeline for the expected special election in Alabama’s First^t Congressional District.

Bentley sought a court order in an effort to have the special election on an expedited schedule.  The Governor’s goal is to have Congressional representation for the people of District 1 as quickly as possible while protecting the rights of military and overseas voters.

U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson of the Middle District of Alabama entered a court order late Friday afternoon approving the expedited timeline sought by Bentley.

Bentley earlier announced the dates of qualification for the special election as Aug. 3-5.  Further, Judge Thompson’s order now permits Alabama to hold the expected special election on a timeline that allows a new member of Congress to be seated before Congress convenes in January of 2014.

Based on the timeline approved by Judge Thompson, and contained in his order:

• The qualification period remains Aug. 3-5.
• The special primary election will take place Tuesday, Sept. 24.
• The special primary runoff, if needed, will be on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
• If a special primary runoff is not required, the special general election will be on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
• If a special primary runoff is required, the special general election will be on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013.

Further, all third-party candidates, independent candidates, and/or minor party candidates seeking to qualify as candidates in the election must file the appropriate paperwork with the Secretary of State no later than Sept. 24 at 5 p.m.

“This timeline will allow the voters of District 1 to choose their next representative as soon as possible,” Bentley said.  “My goal is to have representation for this district when Congress convenes next year.  This timeline also protects the rights of military and overseas voters to cast absentee ballots for the candidate of their choice.”

The election timeline is based on the anticipated vacancy of the seat by Congressman Jo Bonner, who recently announced he will resign at 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 2 to accept a new position with the University of Alabama. Bentley plans to issue the official proclamation calling the special election as soon as the formal vacancy of the District 1 seat is created.