Albert Turner, Jr., a veteran public servant on the Perry County Commission, announced Thursday that he will run a write‑in campaign for the District 1 seat in the November general election. Turner’s statement follows a decision by the Alabama Democratic Party Contest Committee to count a primary ballot that local officials had initially rejected, a move that broke a tie after a state‑ordered recount and officially certified Turner as the winner of the primary.
Ballot controversy and certification
Turner emphasized that the Democratic Party’s order is the governing directive. “The order that the Democratic Party issued is the order that has to be followed,” he said. Despite this certification, Turner’s name does not appear on the sample ballot posted on the Secretary of State’s website for the upcoming general election.
Write‑in strategy
Addressing the ballot omission, Turner explained, “Currently, we are not on the ballot. It’s not whose name is on the ballot, it’s who can receive legal votes. And I’m the only person that can receive legal votes for the position of county commission in district 1, other than a person that would write‑in.” He added that because the printed ballot cannot be altered, his campaign will focus on encouraging voters to write his name in.
“I’m not going to spend any more time arguing about whether or not my name’s on the ballot or not, it doesn’t matter. I know I’m the certified candidate, I know I’m the only one that can receive legal votes in this election. So, I’m satisfied with it,” Turner said. “We’re going to forge a write‑in campaign because we have to have at least one vote to make sure that we are the victor of the November general election.”
Opposition and next steps
The race also includes District 1 candidate Donald Bennett, though he was unavailable for comment when contacted. Probate Judge Carlton Hogue, another potential voice in the contest, also did not respond.
Turner’s campaign will now focus on voter outreach, informing constituents of the write‑in process and reinforcing his record of service on the commission. He urged residents to stay engaged and to ensure their votes are counted, regardless of the ballot format.
Implications for Perry County voters
County officials have not indicated any plans to amend the printed ballot, meaning the write‑in option remains the only path for Turner to appear on the final vote tally. Voters in District 1 are encouraged to review the write‑in instructions provided by the Perry County Election Commission and to verify their eligibility to cast a legal vote.
Turner’s determination to run as a write‑in candidate underscores the importance of clear election procedures and the role of party directives in certifying candidates. As the November election approaches, Perry County residents will have the opportunity to decide whether to support the incumbent commissioner through a write‑in vote or to select an alternative candidate.
Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.
