HB131 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Lesley Vance

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Elections, allowable distance from polling place persons authorized to be, extended, Secs. 11-46-28, 17-9-50 am'd.

Summary

HB131 would extend the restricted distance around polling places from 30 feet to 150 feet.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends two sections of Alabama law to increase the distance non-official people must stay away from polling places to 150 feet. It applies to the general area around the polling place and to the door of the polling place building. Voters and those helping them still have access to vote, and certain groups (election officials, law enforcement, and watchers) are exempt from the distance restriction. The change takes effect on the first day of the third month after the bill passes and is approved.

Who It Affects

• General members of the public who are near polling places, who would need to stay at least 150 feet away from polling places and from the building's door (unless they are voters or assisting voters, or fall into the exempt groups).
• Voters and individuals assisting them (remain allowed to vote and approach the polling area as provided by law).
• Election officials, law enforcement officers, and watchers (exempt from the distance restriction and may be closer to the polling place).

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 11-46-28 to extend the general distance limit around polling places from 30 feet to 150 feet.
• Amends Section 17-9-50 to extend the distance limit from the door of the polling place building from 30 feet to 150 feet.
• Specifies exemptions for voters, those assisting voters, election officials, law enforcement officers, and watchers from the restricted distance.
• Establishes the act's effective date as the first day of the third month after passage and 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