Voters in the Yellowhammer State will have an opportunity to approve some constitutional amendments that affect students in public schools.

According to Alabama’s Office of Secretary of State, Amendment 3 will be on the ballot in November. If approved by the voters, the provision would “require local boards of education to adopt policies requiring each public K-12 school to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag at the beginning of each school day; and to require local boards of education to adopt a policy authorizing student-initiated and student-led prayer.”

The ballot measure is the result of a bill sponsored by State Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Pike Road) that passed during the 2026 Legislative Session.

“It is past time we get prayer back in Alabama’s schools,” Ingram said. “All across the nation, we are seeing examples of states moving away from the beliefs this country was founded upon. I firmly believe the people of Alabama want no part in that, and from the feedback I have received, they want the opportunity to vote on this constitutional amendment.”

Amendment 4 will also be on the ballot this year, which would “require local boards of education to adopt policies requiring each public K-12 school to broadcast or sanction the performance of the first stanza of The Star-Spangled Banner at least once per week during school hours.”

The ballot measure is the result of a legislation introduced by State Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa), which also passed earlier this year.

“The Star-Spangled Banner reminds us who we are as Americans,” Allen said. “When you hear it, you think about the sacrifices that were made for our freedom and the pride we all feel in this country. Our children should grow up hearing that message and understanding what it means so the next generation appreciates the blessings of living in the United States.”

Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter strongly supported both pieces of legislation during the previous session.

“We should be teaching our children to take pride in being American and to boldly share their faith, which is why prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance belong in our schools,” Ledbetter said. “I am proud that the House has passed this important legislation and hope to see the Senate follow suit so the people of Alabama can vote on it.”

According to state law, each amendment needs only a simple majority of votes to pass. In every case, a “yes” vote changes the state constitution and a “no” vote leaves it as it is.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee