Supreme Court blocks Alabama curbside voting, ahead of tight Sessions, Tuberville runoff

The Supreme Court has blocked a lower court ruling to allow curbside voting in Alabama, ahead of key Senate primary runoff later this month.

The high court’s 5-4 decision Thursday also blocks some absentee ballot requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The court's conservative justices granted Alabama’s request to stay a federal judge’s order that would allow local officials to offer curbside voting in the July runoff and loosen absentee ballot requirements in three of the state’s large counties. The order will remain in place while the court decides whether to hear Alabama’s appeal, according to the Associated Press. 

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said he was pleased the court acted quickly so that Alabama voting rules remain in place for a July 14 runoff, the wire service also reported.

Former Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions is running against former Auburn football coach  Tommy Tuberville in the GOP primary runoff for the Senate seat now held by Democrat Doug Jones.