Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB97

Introduced
2/4/25  

Caption

Absentee ballots; opportunity to correct affidavit envelope of defects provided

Note

If enacted, this bill will amend existing regulations outlined in the Code of Alabama to enhance the procedures governing absentee voting, which aims to reflect current needs for voter accessibility and overall electoral fairness.

Impact

The bill specifically outlines that defects can include issues such as missing signatures, mismatched addresses, incorrect envelope orders, or improper witnessing of the affidavit. With these amendments, the state aims to reduce the number of rejected absentee ballots, thereby ensuring that more voters can participate in elections, especially those who might face challenges in voting in person on election day. By allowing voters time to cure their defective ballots, the bill strikes a balance between maintaining electoral integrity and enhancing voter access.

Summary

House Bill 97 addresses modifications to the absentee ballot process within the electoral system of Alabama. The bill stipulates that if an absentee ballot's affidavit is deemed defective, the absentee election manager is required to notify the elector about the defect and provide instructions on how to cure it before the election day. This is a significant procedural amendment aimed at increasing the accessibility and fairness of the absentee voting process by allowing individuals the opportunity to rectify minor mistakes that could otherwise disenfranchise them.

Contention

However, HB 97 has sparked discussions among lawmakers regarding election integrity. Supporters advocate that providing a pathway for voters to correct minor errors is crucial for democratic participation, while opponents may raise concerns about potential abuses of the absentee ballot process. Nonetheless, the emphasis on transparency and proper notification could alleviate many common voter complaints about not being informed of issues with their ballots before it is too late.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL HB64

Absentee election manager to allow elector who has submitted defective absentee ballot affidavit an opportunity to cure the defect.

AL HB23

Absentee ballot affidavit, reason for voting absentee removed

AL HB207

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

AL HB12

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.

AL HB117

Voting, authorizing absentee voting without excuse

AL SB1

Absentee voting; prohibit assistance in preparation of; exceptions provided

AL HB218

Voting, procedure for improperly marked absentee and provisional ballots

AL SB186

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

AL HB423

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

AL HB448

Elections; revise dates for submissions to qualify on ballot

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