HB321 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Mike HillJimmy Martin

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Elections, absentee voting, application and vote by commercial carrier authorized, Sec. 17-11-3 am'd.

Summary

HB321 would let qualified Alabama voters apply for and cast absentee ballots using a commercial carrier, in addition to mail or hand delivery.

What This Bill Does

It adds a new option for absentee voting by commercial carrier, alongside existing mail and hand delivery, with applications due at least five days before an election and eligibility rules similar to current absentee categories. It also creates emergency absentee voting for medical emergencies and for certain employer travel, requiring special forms and deadlines. It includes a rule that if more than one absentee ballot is cast for the same voter, none are opened or counted until an election contest is resolved, and the ballots may be turned over to authorities for investigation. The law would take effect on the first day of the third month after the Governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Qualified Alabama voters who wish to vote absentee can apply for and receive ballots by commercial carrier, in addition to mail or hand delivery, under existing and new rules.
• Election officials and authorities (absentee election managers, district attorney, and state Attorney General) who handle emergency absentee ballots and investigations related to multiple absentee ballots.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes absentee voting by commercial carrier in addition to mail and hand delivery for all elections.
• Requires written application at least five days before the election and lists eligible reasons (out-of-county/state, illness, long work hours, student outside county, armed forces or dependents, and election workers).
• Allows emergency absentee ballots for medical emergencies (with physician certification) and for employer-required out-of-county trips, with specific forms, affidavits, and deadlines.
• Establishes a rule that if a voter casts multiple absentee ballots, none are counted unless resolved by an election contest, and the ballots are forwarded to district attorney and state AG for action.
• Provides access to federal postcard application for military voters or spouses and aligns with federal election assistance rules.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after governor approval.

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