Governor Kay Ivey just extended a critical certification deadline for Alabama’s August 11 special primary election by five days to create additional time for the state to receive a favorable U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the state’s 2023 congressional map before the ballot is locked in.

Under the original special primary election calendar, Secretary of State Wes Allen was set to certify the names of opposed candidates to probate judges by the end of this week, Friday, May 29.

Under Ivey’s amended calendar just issued, that deadline now moves to Wednesday, June 3.

“Alabama is committed to the redistricting fight, and as I said yesterday, I fully support Attorney General Marshall’s appeal,” Governor Ivey said in a statement.

“I am hopeful the Supreme Court quickly gives Alabama a favorable response so we can move forward with the August 11 Special Primary Election using our 2023 congressional map. We remain in close contact with the Secretary of State’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office as the appeal process plays out and as our elections approach us.”

Alabama Attorney Steve Marshall on Tuesday filed emergency stay applications with the Supreme Court, requesting a ruling by Monday, June 1. Justice Clarence Thomas has ordered plaintiffs to respond by 4 p.m. that same day.

The new June 3 certification deadline means Alabama’s election apparatus now has a built-in window to absorb whatever the Court decides early next week.