HB320 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Mike HillJimmy Martin

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Elections, absentee voter and provisional absentee voter, identification at time of application required, reidentification of inactive absentee applicants provided for, Secs. 17-9-30, 17-10-1, 17-10-2, 17-11-9 am'd.

Summary

HB320 would require photo ID for absentee ballot applications and absentee provisional ballots and would reidentify inactive absentee voters.

What This Bill Does

The bill changes ID rules for absentee voting by requiring valid photo identification at the time of applying for an absentee ballot and for absentee provisional ballots, while expanding the types of acceptable IDs. It also creates a process to reidentify inactive absentee applicants who appear on the state voter registration list in the precinct where they intend to vote. If a voter cannot meet the ID requirements, they may use a provisional ballot, and the bill lays out how provisional ballots are handled, counted, and reported, with some exemptions for certain federal voters.

Who It Affects

• Absentee voters (people applying for absentee ballots and those voting absentee ballots or absentee provisional ballots) who must provide photo ID with their application and may vote provisional ballots if they cannot meet ID requirements.
• Inactive absentee voters who appear on the state voter registration list in the precinct where they seek to vote and who must undergo reidentification before their ballot can be counted.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 17-9-30 to define valid photo identification and to allow additional forms of ID, including employer- or college-issued photo IDs and certain documents (such as utility bills, bank statements, or other government documents) that show name and address.
• Requires absentee ballot applicants to submit a copy of one of the identified forms of identification with the application; if not provided, the absentee election manager shall not issue the ballot.
• Affirms that voters applying to vote by absentee ballot or voting by absentee provisional ballot must provide valid photo ID, but preserves a federal law exemption (UOCAVA and related federal protections) that some voters are not required to provide ID prior to voting.
• Allows for provisional ballots when a voter cannot meet ID requirements; includes requirements for an affirmation, a reidentification form, and related processes to verify and certify provisional votes, with certain timelines and notices to voters.
• Provides for reidentification of inactive absentee applicants by giving the voter a reidentification form and related materials; requires identification and appropriate envelopes/forms to be used with absentee ballots and reidentification when necessary.
• Outlines the handling, counting, and reporting of provisional ballots (including absentee provisional ballots) with separate canvassing, certification, and posting of provisional results, and timelines for return of related materials to election officials.

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