HB3 Alabama 2010 1st Special Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

John F. Knight Jr

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Merika ColemanCraig FordJoe HubbardJohn W. RogersElaine BeechRod ScottLawrence McAdoryDexter GrimsleyMary MooreThomas JacksonAlan HarperLaura HallArtis McCampbellBarbara Bigsby BoydDemetrius C. NewtonPebblin W. WarrenThad McClammyChris EnglandOliver RobinsonJuandalynn Givan

Session

First Special Session 2010

Title

Electioneering communications and paid political advertising, disclosure of source of funding required, exceptions, contributions by political committees further provided for, Secs. 17-5-2, 17-5-8, 17-5-12 am'd.

Summary

HB3 would amend the Alabama Constitution to make voting by secret ballot a fundamental right and to guide how elections are run.

What This Bill Does

HB3 adds a constitutional guarantee that the right to vote by secret ballot is fundamental for elections, including public office, referenda, and employee representation. It would allow the Legislature to set reasonable, nondiscriminatory registration prerequisites and to establish voter registration procedures, absentee voting, secrecy in voting, and election administration by law. It also clarifies that felons with moral turpitude convictions and those who are mentally incompetent may not vote until rights are restored. An election on this amendment would be conducted under existing election laws, and the ballot would include a Yes/No description of the amendment.

Who It Affects

• General voters: U.S. citizens 18+ residing in Alabama would have the right to vote by secret ballot and would be subject to registration and voting procedures established by law.
• People with felony convictions involving moral turpitude or who are mentally incompetent: They would not be qualified to vote until their civil and political rights are restored or the disability is removed.

Key Provisions

• Proposes adding Sec. 177 to declare that the right to vote by secret ballot is fundamental for voting in public office, referenda, and employee representation.
• Allows the Legislature to set reasonable nondiscriminatory registration prerequisites and to create the voter registration process by law.
• Requires laws on the registration of voters, absentee voting, secrecy in voting, administration of elections, and nomination of candidates.
• States that individuals convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude or who are mentally incompetent cannot vote until rights are restored or disability removed.
• Requires an election to approve the amendment under current election laws, and mandates the ballot describe the amendment with a Yes/No option, assigned a ballot number by the appropriate official.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Elections