HB481 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy Davis

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Victor GastonChad FincherSteve McMillanJim McClendonPaul Beckman

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Fair Ballot Commission created, membership and terms provided for, require Secretary of State provide explanation of measures and post on website, Alabama Informed Voter Act created

Summary

The bill creates the Alabama Informed Voter Act, establishes a Fair Ballot Commission to approve plain-language ballot explanations, and requires posting and online access to ballot information with public input options.

What This Bill Does

It creates a 15-member Fair Ballot Commission to approve statements explaining what a 'yes' or 'no' vote means for statewide measures, using language prepared by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State must post these fair ballot statements at polling places and online, and provide printed copies. The bill also sets up an official online Voter Information Guide with summaries, legal authority, cost analyses, arguments and rebuttals, the text of the measure, and a pro/con comment section for citizens to post feedback. Citizens can challenge the ballot language, and if disagreements arise, the decision path involves legislative or counsel review. The postings and explanations are intended to be plain, impartial, and understandable, including tax impact information where applicable.

Who It Affects

• Voters in Alabama – gain access to clear, impartial ballot language and a comprehensive online guide to ballot measures.
• Secretary of State and election officials – responsible for preparing, posting, and distributing the fair ballot language and maintaining the voter information resources.
• Fair Ballot Commission members – appointed officials who review and approve ballot language and must follow term and diversity requirements.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Alabama Informed Voter Act and creates a 15-member Fair Ballot Commission with appointed representatives from the Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Speaker of the House, and Secretary of State, plus attorneys and private citizens.
• The Commission must approve the fair ballot language statements prepared by the Secretary of State within five days; if not approved, an alternative statement is provided and must be forwarded for legislative or counsel approval as described.
• The Secretary of State must post fair ballot language at polling places and on the website, and provide printed copies.
• The Secretary of State must maintain an Official Voter Information Guide online, including questions, summaries, legal authority, cost/funding analysis, arguments and rebuttals, the measure text, and a section for public comments that must be posted within 24 hours.
• Citizens may challenge the ballot language; the process includes potential legislative or legislative counsel involvement if needed.
• The act includes severability and a defined effective date.

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