Breaking down the 6 Alabama constitutional amendments on the Nov. 3 ballot

Make sure you know what you are voting for or against

Megan?

There are state issues to consider this election.

These amendments cover a variety of issues including who is allowed to vote, racist language in the state constitution, and the use of guns in churches.

Nats amendment 1 tackles voting.

It would change wording in article 8 in the state constitution.

Instead of stating every citizen of the united states has the right to vote -- it would read only citizens of the united states has the right to vote.

Dr. waymon burke --- a political science instructor at calhoun college says many experts believe voting fraud isn't an issue with the current language.

Burke says: "it is stronger language, and i guess it leaves no uncertainty that only people who are actually u.s. citizens can vote."

Amendment 2 would affect the state court system.

The biggest change includes who appoints the director of the administrative office of courts.

Right now it's the chief justice.

If this amendment passes -- it would be the nine justices on the alabama supreme court.

Burke says: "in essence is takes away a little bit of power from the chief justice and shares it with the other justices."

Amendment 3 expands the time an appointed judge can serve from one to two years before being required to run for election.

Burke says: "and this is just about how long they can serve without having to vote, alabama is one a few states that actually elects judges.

Many other states have other methods."

Amendment 4 tackles the state constitution.

It seeks to remove racist language -- even though it is now illegal -- language defending segregation still remain in the constitution.

If amendment 4 passes -- state lawmakers would re-work the current constitution.

It would then go up for a vote state-wide for approval.

Burke says: "those who are opposed to constitutional change fear that this is a way to slip in the back door of constitutional change because it talks about in the amendment about restructuring the alabama constitution."

Amendment 5 and 6 are essentially the same, but affect two different counties here in north alabama.

Amendment 5 applies to franklin county.

Amendment 6 applies to lauderdale county.

It would apply the state's stand your ground law for churches in these counties.

Burke says:"this would give people who encounter a criminal committing a violent act, give them some criminal and legal protection.

But as a said before, i can't imagine a court giving civil damages to someone who invaded a church and murdered people or threatened them."

To see how these amendments will appear on your ballot -- we have the full language on our website waay tv dot com.

Reporting live in hsv mr waay 31 news.

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