Relating to voting; to amend Section 17-11-7, Code of Alabama 1975, to remove from the affidavit that accompanies an absentee ballot certain information that was collected from the voter when the voter applied to vote by absentee ballot.
Impact
The implementation of HB 464 would simplify the absentee voting protocol, which is expected to have significant implications for voter turnout, particularly among those who may find it challenging to meet the existing requirements. By eliminating the need to provide a reason on the affidavit, the bill aims to make absentee voting more accessible, thus aiming to honor the fundamental rights of citizens to participate in elections, regardless of their circumstances on election day.
Summary
House Bill 464 proposes amendments to Section 17-11-7 of the Code of Alabama 1975, specifically regarding absentee ballots. The bill intends to streamline the absentee voting process by removing the requirement for voters to check off the reason for voting absentee on the affidavit that accompanies their ballot. Currently, voters are required to specify their reason for absentee voting during both the application and the affidavit submission, which can be seen as a burdensome procedure. The intention behind this change is to facilitate easier access to absentee voting and potentially increase voter participation in elections.
Contention
However, the bill is not without its controversies. Critics might argue that removing the requirement for specifying a reason could lead to potential abuses of the absentee voting system, as it may become easier for individuals to vote absentee without genuine justification. This concern heightens discussions around the integrity of election processes and could become a focal point in legislative debates. Supporters of the bill, on the other hand, emphasize the importance of increasing voter access and reducing bureaucratic hurdles that may disenfranchise legitimate voters.
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
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