HB678 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mike Hill

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Elections, absentee voting by electronic transmission, Secretary of State to establish procedure for Internet voting, Secs. 17-11-3, 17-11-4, 17-11-5, 17-11-7, 17-11-9, 17-11-12 am'd.

Summary

HB678 would allow electronic transmission of absentee ballots for military and overseas voters, create an electronic ballot system, and adjust deadlines and procedures for absentee voting.

What This Bill Does

Qualified uniformed and overseas voters could receive absentee ballots by electronic transmission. The affidavit would be provided electronically and the option to have affidavits witnessed by a notary or officer would be removed. Ballots and supplies must be delivered to the absentee election manager at least 47 days before most elections, and ballots could be sent by commercial ground or air carriers. The Secretary of State would develop an electronic ballot transmission system by the 2012 presidential preference primary, create a free system to check receipt of absentee ballots, and have authority to extend deadlines and add requirements to align with federal law.

Who It Affects

• Qualified uniformed and overseas voters: may receive absentee ballots electronically, have affidavits provided electronically, and have their ballot-related processes updated (including extended affidavit validity for military/overseas voters).
• Absentee election managers and county election officials: must implement and manage the new electronic transmission systems, handle delivery of ballots 47 days before elections, maintain and post absentee voter lists, and track receipt of ballots.

Key Provisions

• Authorize electronic transmission of absentee ballots to qualified uniformed and overseas voters.
• Provide the affidavit electronically with the ballot and remove the option for witnessing the affidavit by a notary or officer.
• Allow absentee ballots to be sent by commercial ground or air carrier to the absentee election manager.
• Require delivery of ballots and supplies to the absentee election manager not less than 47 days before an election (excluding municipal elections).
• By the 2012 presidential preference primary, authorize development of an electronic ballot transmission system for qualified uniformed and overseas voters.
• Authorize the Secretary of State to develop a free access system for voters to determine whether their absentee ballot was received and to extend deadlines or add requirements related to absentee voting.
• Provide rulemaking authority and adjust witnessing, identification, and ballot access procedures to comply with federal law.

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