Voters to decide $437M referendum

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Voters are going to the polls throughout Alabama to decide whether to take $437 million out of a state trust fund to help balance the state General Fund budget for the next three years.

The proposed constitutional amendment is the only issue on Tuesday's ballot. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The state's chief election official, Secretary of State Beth Chapman, estimates about one-fifth of Alabama's voters will participate.

The governor and other proponents say the money will allow the state to get through tough budget times. Opponents say it will allow the Legislature to keep from making tough budget decisions before the next legislative elections in 2014.