SB97 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Absentee ballots, illegal absentee voting, penalty increased, Sec. 17-17-24 am'd.

Summary

SB97 would raise the penalty for illegal absentee voting from a Class C felony to a Class B felony and expand the offenses that fall under that penalty.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, it changes Section 17-17-24 to make illegal absentee voting a Class B felony. It also broadens the punished acts to include willfully changing an absentee ballot, voting more than once, voting for another voter, falsifying applications or verification documents, and promoting illegal absentee voting, plus aiding unlawful absentee voting and voting both absentee and regular ballots. Additionally, the Attorney General would assist local district attorneys or the Secretary of State in investigating absentee ballot violations upon request. The bill preserves lawful efforts to encourage participation and lawful absentee voting.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who commit illegal absentee voting or related ballot tampering (e.g., altering ballots, voting multiple times, voting for another person, falsifying documents, or promoting illegal absentee voting) would face a higher Class B felony penalty.
• Local district attorneys and election investigators, with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General providing investigative assistance upon request.

Key Provisions

• Raises the penalty for illegal absentee voting and related offenses from Class C felony to Class B felony.
• Expands and clarifies the list of offenses punishable as Class B felony to include willful ballot changes, multiple absentee votes, voting for another, falsifying applications or verification documents, and promoting illegal absentee voting; and includes aiding unlawful voting and voting both absentee and regular ballots.
• Authorizes the Attorney General to provide investigative assistance to local district attorneys or the Secretary of State in absentee ballot or voting violations upon request.
• Maintains allowance for lawful efforts to encourage voter participation and lawful absentee voting, and does not impede such activities.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses