Elections, absentee voting and absentee ballot collection, prohibiting any person from accepting or receiving payment for any process relating to absentee ballots
Impact
If enacted, HB193 would require changes to current regulations surrounding elections and absentee voting. The law would specifically target the interactions between voters and individuals assisting them with absentee ballot processes, making it unequivocally unlawful for anyone to engage in financial transactions for these services. This reflects a broader movement towards preserving election integrity and limiting avenues for potential electoral manipulation. The bill's alignment with existing state constitutional amendments also indicates careful consideration of its legal ramifications.
Summary
House Bill 193 aims to enhance the integrity of the absentee voting process in Alabama by prohibiting individuals from paying or accepting payment to obtain, deliver, or assist in completing another voter's absentee ballot. This measure seeks to stem potential voter fraud by ensuring that no monetary influence is involved in the absentee ballot process, thereby reinforcing public confidence in election outcomes. Violating this prohibition would result in a Class D felony charge, which underscores the state's seriousness in addressing this issue.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HB193 is the balance between protecting election integrity and potentially disenfranchising voters who may rely on assistance with absentee ballots. Critics may argue that the prohibition against payment could deter individuals, especially in underserved communities, from helping others navigate the absentee voting process. Additionally, the classification of violations as felonies raises concerns about the proportionality of punishment and its implications for voter participation. These discussions highlight the complexities of developing election laws that align both with democratic accessibility and strict regulatory frameworks.
Voting, absentee voting, disabled, blind, or voters unable to read may designate individual to deliver voter's absentee ballot application and absentee ballot to absentee election manager
Absentee voting; to allow a voter who is disabled, blind, or unable to read to designate an individual to deliver the voter's application for an absentee ballot and absentee ballot to the absentee election manager
Absentee voting; to allow a disabled voter to designate an individual to deliver the voter's application for an absentee ballot to the absentee election manager; to allow a disabled voter to designate an individual to deliver the voter's absentee ballot to the absentee election manager.
Prohibit the use of any ranked-choice voting method in elections except for electors who vote by absentee ballot pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act