Alabama Citizens to Vote on Prayer, Pledge of Allegiance in Public Schools
Alabama citizens will consider two important ballot measures in the upcoming 2026 midterm election, deciding whether to support the Pledge of Allegiance, student-initiated prayer, and “The Star-Spangled Banner” in public schools.
The Alabama Legislature referred the two measures to voters in the upcoming election, passing them both in bipartisan fashion earlier this year. Now the measures are in the hands of Alabama citizens.
The first, Alabama Amendment 3, “Require Pledge of Allegiance and Allow Student-Led Prayer in Public Schools Amendment,” proposes the following official ballot language:
The Alabama House of Representatives voted 94-3 to approve the ballot measure and send it to voters to consider. The Alabama Senate voted 30-0 to approve the measure.
Alabama Rep. Reed Ingram, who supports Amendment 3, said, “A lot of these kids want to be exposed to God or have that opportunity to worship, and this gives them that. They don’t have that opportunity at home because their parents may work two or three jobs and work on Sunday.”
Julie Conrady of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham and Tuscaloosa opposes the amendment, arguing it would “create a further hardship [for students] of diverse religious beliefs.”
However, the measure does not require students to participate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance or in prayer. Instead, it grants students “the right to opt out of participation in the Pledge of Allegiance or the prayer based on their own beliefs.”
A “yes” vote supports changing the Alabama Constitution to require public schools to conduct the Pledge of Allegiance and allow for student-initiated, student-led prayer at the beginning of the school day.
The second, Alabama Amendment 4, “Broadcast The Star-Spangled Banner in Public Schools Amendment,” proposes the following official ballot language:
The Alabama Senate voted 23-5 to approve the ballot measure and send it to voters to consider. The Alabama House of Representatives also approved the measure in a 75-27 vote.
Shawn McDaniel, superintendent of Pickens County, who supports Amendment 4, said, “I believe schools play an important role in helping students develop and appreciate our country and the value it represents, an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history.”
A “yes” vote supports changing the Alabama Constitution to require public schools to play “The Star-Spanged Banner” at least once per week.
Election Day is November 3. Alabama does not allow early voting. However, some jurisdictions offer excuse-required absentee voting. Alabama voters can visit the secretary of state’s office’s website to learn more.
This year, Christian voters around the nation have an opportunity to shape the course of our country by voting in the upcoming midterm election. We encourage you to vote on or before Election Day depending on your state’s early voting laws. If you’re not register to vote, register today!
Related articles and resources:
Christians: Go Out and Vote This November
Christians Must Get Out to Vote This November
Understanding the Importance of Voting
5 Easy Ways Christians Can Get Involved in Politics
Are You Registered To Vote? If Not, Today is the Day to Do It.
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