A former secretary of state has been tapped to fill the remaining term of Beth Chapman, who announced she will step down from the position July 31 to take a private sector job.

Gov. Robert Bentley said Jim Bennett’s distinguished record of service made him well qualified to complete the current term as Secretary of State.

“Jim is a dedicated public servant,” Bentley said. “He was a trusted member of my cabinet where he served as labor commissioner until his retirement in 2012. Having previously served as secretary of state, Jim is uniquely qualified to lead the Secretary of State’s Office through the 2014 election cycle. I know Jim will fight for every Alabamian’s right to vote. I appreciate his willingness to serve and know he will be an honest and dedicated secretary of state.”

Bennett was appointed secretary of state in 1993 and was elected to the position in 1994 and 1998. During his time as secretary of state, Bennett was an active proponent of campaign finance disclosure. He also worked to combat absentee ballot abuse and to increase the accuracy of voter rolls by making sure names of the deceased were removed.

Bennett said it is an honor to return to the office.

“I appreciate Governor Bentley’s confidence in my ability to continue to lead the effort for honest elections and to support the opportunity for all citizens to actively participate in government through the voting process,” he said. “This is especially important with the 2014 election cycle a short time ahead.  To those who would seek to manipulate our most basic right to decide issues and elections fairly and honestly at the ballot box, my appointment will not come as good news.”

Chapman will take a position as a political consultant for the Alabama Farmers Federation.