Hoover, AL asked in Election Law for Alabama

Q: In Alabama, if a city holds a referendum and it fails, how long do they have to wait to hold another one?

Homewood is holding a referendum to vote on hiring a city manager and if it fails to pass, I want to know how long whey will have to wait to hold another one.

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James L. Arrasmith
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A: In Alabama, if a city holds a referendum and it fails, the city typically has to wait a certain amount of time before holding another one on the same issue. The waiting period is often dictated by local laws or the city charter rather than state law, and it can vary between cities. For most cities, this waiting period can be up to one year, but it’s important to check Homewood's specific regulations for their guidelines on this.

If the referendum in Homewood about hiring a city manager does not pass, the city council may need to follow these local rules to determine when they can revisit the issue. They will also need to ensure any future referendum complies with Alabama’s legal requirements for elections.

Consulting with the Homewood City Council or reviewing their official guidelines could give you more precise information. The city council may also consider other paths to address the issue, such as public engagement, before proposing the referendum again.

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