MONTGOMERY– Alabama voters will decide four statewide constitutional amendments in the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, general election. The proposals cover four different subjects. They address a lieutenant governor vacancy, possible county school-system mergers, school prayer and the pledge, and the national anthem.

Each amendment is a separate question. Therefore, voters may vote “yes” or “no” on each one. The result of one amendment does not determine another’s outcome.

This guide summarizes the Alabama Fair Ballot Commission’s official explanations. It also explains what each measure would change without recommending how anyone should vote.

Amendment 1: Lieutenant Governor Vacancies, Pay, and Legislative Travel

Statewide Amendment 1 deals with three areas of state government.

First, it would create a way for voters to fill a vacancy in the lieutenant governor’s office. The new process would apply when a vacancy occurs more than 60 days before the next general election for state officers. The person elected would serve the remainder of the unfinished term. Under the current provisions, the office generally remains vacant until the next regular election for lieutenant governor.

The amendment would also let the Legislature set compensation for the lieutenant governor and certain legislative officers. Lawmakers would do so through a joint resolution. In addition, an elected House or Senate officer would approve legislative-funded travel for members of that chamber.

A “yes” vote would add all three changes to the Alabama Constitution.

A “no” vote would leave the current constitutional provisions in place.

The Fair Ballot Commission says the amendment itself would not create a new tax or cost.

Amendment 2: A Process for Merging County School Systems

Statewide Amendment 2 would establish a constitutional process for merging county school systems. For example, two or more neighboring county systems could use that process to create one multi-county system.

However, the amendment would not merge any school systems by itself. Each participating county board would first approve the proposal through a formal resolution.

Then, the State Board of Education would study the possible effects. Its review would cover students, families, academic programs, transportation, finances, taxes, and school operations. The board would publish the study before any merger became final.

The proposal also includes a petition process. A public vote would follow if at least 25% of qualified voters in any affected system submitted a written protest. The merger would then need majority approval in each affected county. It would also need a majority of the combined vote across all affected counties.

A “yes” vote would create this process in the Alabama Constitution. It would let eligible county boards consider a future merger. Still, it would not approve a specific merger.

A “no” vote would leave the Constitution without this proposed process for creating a multi-county school system.

The Fair Ballot Commission says the amendment itself would not create a new tax or cost. However, any future merger study would examine possible financial and tax effects before the merger moved forward.

Amendment 3: Pledge and Student-Led Prayer Policies in Public Schools

Statewide Amendment 3 would require new local school-board policies. Those policies would address the Pledge of Allegiance and student-led prayer in public schools serving kindergarten through 12th grade.

Under the amendment, each school would conduct the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of every school day. Students would have an opportunity to recite it voluntarily. In addition, local boards would adopt policies allowing student-initiated, student-led prayer.

Participation would remain voluntary. The amendment says schools could not require any student to take part in the pledge or a prayer. Students could opt out based on their beliefs. Meanwhile, the local superintendent would review reported violations.

A “yes” vote would place these requirements and participation protections in the Alabama Constitution.

A “no” vote would leave the current Constitution unchanged.

The Fair Ballot Commission says the amendment would not create a new tax or cost.

Amendment 4: Weekly National Anthem Presentation in Public Schools

Statewide Amendment 4 would require another local school-board policy. Public schools serving kindergarten through 12th grade would present the first stanza of “The Star-Spangled Banner” during school hours. They would do so at least once each week.

A school could meet the requirement by broadcasting the first stanza. Alternatively, a school-approved band, choir, vocal group, or vocalist could perform it. Also, the performance would use the Library of Congress version.

A “yes” vote would add the weekly national anthem requirement to the Alabama Constitution.

A “no” vote would leave the current Constitution unchanged.

The Fair Ballot Commission says the amendment would not create a new tax or cost.

What Voters Should Know Before Election Day

The amendments will appear after the candidate races on the general election ballot. Because voters decide each proposal separately, they can support some amendments and oppose others.

The Alabama Secretary of State’s Office has posted the official statewide amendment explanations. It also offers sample ballots for every county. In addition, a county’s ballot may include local amendments or questions beyond the four statewide measures.

Voters who want to review the exact ballot language can use those official resources before going to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3.

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