Two proposed statewide constitutional amendments will appear on both party primary ballots across Baldwin County and Alabama on May 19.

In Alabama, the primary election is part of the nominating process for a political party. It is used to select who will represent a party in the general election. You are required to choose one political party’s primary over another because you cannot participate in the nomination of both parties’ candidates. However, in the general election, you may split your ticket and vote for candidates from each political party.

If you choose not to declare a political preference at the primary election, you will not be eligible to vote in any political party’s primary election. You are, however, still eligible to vote on any proposed constitutional amendments that are up for a vote.

If you do not want to vote for either party’s primary candidates, you may request a ballot that only has the constitutional amendments.

STATEWIDE AMENDMENT 1

Proposed by state Sen. Will Barfoot (R-District 25), this amendment would provide for additional offenses that would allow a judge to deny bail under certain circumstances.

Currently, a judge may deny bail to a person charged with the following crimes: capital murder, murder, kidnapping in the first degree, rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, sexual torture, domestic violence in the first degree, human trafficking in the first degree, arson in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, terrorism and aggravated child abuse.

If approved, this amendment would allow a judge to also deny bail to a person charged with solicitation, attempt or conspiracy to commit murder. The amendment would also allow a judge to deny bail to a person charged with shooting or discharging a firearm, explosive or other weapon into an occupied dwelling, building, railroad locomotive or car, aircraft, automobile, truck or watercraft.

If the majority of voters vote “yes” on Amendment 1, the Alabama Constitution will be changed.

If the majority of voters vote “no” on Amendment 1, the Alabama Constitution will not be changed.

There are no costs or taxes associated with Amendment 1.

STATEWIDE AMENDMENT 2

Proposed by state Rep. Jim Hill (R-District 50), this amendment would provide that compensation received by a district attorney may not be diminished during his or her term of office.

The term of office for a district attorney is six years. If approved, this amendment would ensure that a district attorney’s salary cannot be reduced during the term of office that he or she was appointed or elected to fill.

If the majority of voters vote “yes” on Amendment 2, the Alabama Constitution will be changed.

If the majority of voters vote “no” on Amendment 2, the Alabama Constitution will not be changed.

There are no costs or taxes associated with Amendment 2.