MONTGOMERY – Speaking on Alabama Politics This Week, Secretary of State John Merrill said he expects 28-32% of Alabama’s more than 3.6 million registered voters to head to the polls Tuesday.
“That’s more than 1.2 million voters combined in the Republican and Democratic primaries,” he said.
In comparison to similar past elections, Merrill said we will see more voters because Alabama has more registered voters.
“We see more people voting, more people participating,” he said.
Merrill explains since Jan. 19, 2015, more than 2,045,750 voters have been registered.
“Now we see those people going to the polls and participating in record numbers,” Merrill said. “We are very, very proud of that.”
This will be the last primary election overseen by Merrill who is term-limited. Speaking on who should replace him, Merrill said that’s up to the voters.
“The people of Alabama will decide who the next secretary of state will be,” he said. “But I hope the people will make a wise decision based on the qualifications of the individuals. I have confidence the people will make the right choice.”
Reflecting on his two terms in office, Merrill said he is proud of what the office of secretary of state has been able to accomplish.
“We made it easier to vote and harder to cheat in Alabama by breaking every record in the state for voter registration and voter participation in every election that we’ve administered,” he said. “Passing over 50 pieces of legislation that have made it more safe and more secure.
“Now we’ve been recognized as the gold standard for election administration in the United States by three national entities, including the Heritage Foundation.”
Merrill also highlighted reductions in barriers for businesses in Alabama.
“We have been able to reduce the wait time to start a new business from 7-9 months to same day,” he said. “We’re no longer moving at the speed of government; we’re moving at the speed of business.”
Merrill said the secretary of state’s office is recognized as the most efficient and effective office in state government.
“People know when they call, they are going to speak to real person, or they can call me on my cell phone,” he said.
Merrill also urges voters to visit the department’s website for voter election information ahead of Tuesday’s primary.
“When people participate their voice can be heard as their vote is counted,” he said.
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