Alabama officials held a press conference announcing the March 31 runoff election will be postponed until July 14.

The press conference was held by Gov. Kay Ivey, Secretary of State John H. Merrill, and Attorney General Steve Marshall.

Merrill believes this new date will allow for the electoral process to continue in a normal manner.

He also says the delay will allow all local election officials the time to assess and evaluate the changes needed to ensure the runoff election is administered according to plan.