SB306 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bryan Taylor

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Gerald H. AllenGerald O. DialPhillip W. WilliamsJerry L. FieldingCam WardPriscilla DunnTammy IronsWilliam “Bill” M. BeasleyJ.T. WaggonerPaul BussmanClay ScofieldRusty GloverRoger Bedford, Jr.Trip PittmanArthur OrrHarri Anne SmithGeorge M. “Marc” KeaheyLinda Coleman-MadisonDick Brewbaker

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Elections, absentee ballots, Sec. of State by emergency rule may permit first responders to vote absentee, expenses paid by state, Secs. 17-11-3, 17-11-7 am'd.

Summary

SB306 would let the Secretary of State, by emergency rule, allow certain qualified voters affected by emergencies away from polling places to vote absentee.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Sections 17-11-3 and 17-11-7 to authorize the Secretary of State to issue emergency rules that enable emergency absentee voting. It creates emergency circumstances that qualify a voter for an emergency absentee ballot, including being out of the county or state due to an emergency, needing emergency medical treatment within five days of an election, or traveling for emergency work on a unique schedule. It establishes procedures for emergency applications, physician or affidavit certifications, and safeguards to handle ballots, including penalties for false statements and rules about counting only one ballot per voter. The act also specifies when these emergency rules can be adopted during emergencies and sets the effective date of the law.

Who It Affects

• Qualified Alabama voters who are away from their polling place due to an emergency and would qualify for emergency absentee ballots under an emergency rule.
• Voters who require emergency medical treatment within five days of an election and must obtain a physician-certified emergency absentee ballot.
• Voters who must be out of the county on an emergency business trip for unforeseen circumstances and need an emergency absentee ballot.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the Secretary of State, via emergency rule, to provide for absentee voting for voters responding to an emergency away from their polling places.
• Expands emergency absentee criteria to include medical emergencies near an election and out-of-county emergency work travel, with specified application and certification requirements.
• Requires an emergency absentee ballot to include a sworn affidavit and outlines penalties for providing false information.
• Describes procedures for handling ballots and prevents counting if more than one absentee ballot is cast in a single voter’s name, with investigation by appropriate authorities after an election contest or its deadline.
• Allows the Secretary of State to promulgate emergency rules during declared emergencies to implement these provisions.
• Effective date set as the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval, or as otherwise provided by law.

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

Subjects

Elections