HB385 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Victor Gaston

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Elections, absentee voting, submit absentee ballot by commercial carrier, Secs. 17-9-51, 17-11-9, 17-11-18 am'd.

Summary

HB385 would let absentee ballots be submitted by commercial carriers in addition to mail and updates related counting and return procedures.

What This Bill Does

It allows absentee ballots to be returned by commercial carriers, not just the United States mail. It keeps and clarifies deadlines for when mail- or hand-delivered ballots can be opened or counted, including postmark and receipt timing and exceptions for medical emergencies. It sets up the ballot return process with envelopes and affidavits, outlines ID and provisional voting steps, and requires voters to be on the state voter registration list. It also creates a special set of deadlines for UOCAVA voters in a second primary and specifies when the act would take effect.

Who It Affects

• Absentee voters who may use commercial carriers to return their ballots and must follow the new envelope, affidavit, and potential ID/provisional requirements.
• UOCAVA voters voting in a second primary (and the election officials who administer their ballots), who face separate postmark/receipt deadlines and procedures under the bill.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes absentee ballots to be returned by commercial carriers in addition to United States mail.
• Sets counting deadlines: mail/commercial carrier ballots must be postmarked before the election day and received by noon on election day; hand-delivered ballots must be delivered by the voter or medical emergency designee by the close of the last business day before the election (or by noon on election day for medical emergencies).
• Creates a special rule for UOCAVA voters in a second primary: ballots must be postmarked by the second primary day and received by noon seven days after the second primary to be counted; general provisions do not apply to these voters in that scenario.
• Requires a two-envelope return system with an affidavit envelope (and notary or witness requirements) plus a third envelope for ID if required; allows provisional ballots and voter reidentification or provisional affirmation when needed.
• Requires the applicant to be on the state voter registration list to receive an absentee ballot.
• Election officials must implement and enforce these procedures, including identification and provisional ballot processes.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval (or when it otherwise becomes 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