HB206 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Elwyn Thomas

Republican

Co-Sponsors

April WeaverBarry MooreMike HubbardWes LongRichard BaughnMac ButtramKurt WallaceDonnie ChesteenJohn MerrillKen JohnsonJim PattersonDaniel H. BomanMike JonesPaul BeckmanBill PooleMark TugglePaul W. LeeTerri CollinsKerry RichRandy DavisMike HillGregory CanfieldJay LoveJack WilliamsDickie DrakeChad FincherAlan BakerSteve McMillanJim McClendonSteve ClouseBarry MaskHoward SanderfordPhil WilliamsMicky HammonAllen TreadawayAllen Farley

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Polling places, proximity of persons to door of building, distance increased, Sec. 17-9-50 am'd.

Summary

This bill would raise the restricted distance around polling place doors from 30 feet to 300 feet.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 17-9-50 to prohibit most people from being within 300 feet of a polling place door. Within that 300-foot zone, the allowed groups are electors voting, those assisting them, the judge of probate, the sheriff or a deputy, precinct election officials, and watchers. The bill takes effect on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• General public and bystanders: must stay at least 300 feet away from polling place doors.
• Voters and people assisting voters: may be within the 300-foot zone to vote or assist.
• Election-related officials and watchers: the judge of probate, the sheriff or deputy, precinct election officials, and watchers are exempt from the restriction and may be within 300 feet.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits any person from being within 300 feet of the polling place door, instead of the previous 30 feet.
• Specifies exemptions: electors, persons assisting electors, judge of probate, sheriff or deputy, precinct election officials, and watchers.
• Effective date: 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