Alabama § 17-13-3 - Time and Place for Holding Primary Elections.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 17-13-3 — Time and Place for Holding Primary Elections., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-13-3. Time and Place for Holding Primary Elections.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (b) and (d), primary elections held at the expense of the state or counties shall be held on the Tuesday in May preceding Memorial Day. When necessary, as provided in this chapter, a second or runoff primary election shall be held on the fourth Tuesday following the primary election. Any second primary shall be held by the same election officers who held the first primary election and be held at the same places as the first primary election. No primary election shall be held by any political party except as provided in this subsection. Primary elections shall be held at the regular polling places established for the purpose of holding general elections.
(b) In years in which a presidential primary is conducted, the primary election shall be the first Tuesday in March.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in any year in which the primary election is held in March and the primary election is held in conjunction with the presidential preference primary election, as provided in this section and Section 17-13-100, any reference in any existing statutes to a primary election being held in June or May shall be construed to refer to the primary election in March.
(d) Special primary elections, held at the expense of the state or counties, shall be held following the issuance of a proclamation by the Governor or as otherwise provided by law. When necessary, as provided in this chapter, a second or runoff special primary election shall be held on the fourth Tuesday following the special primary election. Any second special primary election shall be held by the same election officers who held the first special primary election and be held at the same places as the first special primary election. No special primary election shall be held by any political party, except as provided in this subsection. Special primary elections shall be held at the regular polling places established for the purpose of holding general elections.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 17-13-3
What does Code of Alabama § 17-13-3 cover?
Section 17-13-3 ("Time and Place for Holding Primary Elections.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 17-13-3?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 17-13-3" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 17-13-3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.