SB15 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Greg J. Reed
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Voting, absentee voting when a gubernatorial declaration of a state of emergency, Secs. 17-11-3, 17-11-7 am'd.
Summary: SB15 would let any registered voter who cannot vote at their regular polling place because of a Governor-declared state emergency vote by absentee ballot.
What This Bill Does
If enacted, it amends Alabama's absentee voting laws to include Governor-declared state emergencies as a valid reason for an emergency absentee ballot. Voters must apply for the emergency absentee ballot at the absentee election manager no later than the close of business the day before the election, and the ballot can be returned and counted under the emergency rules. The act also allows the state to issue emergency rules if emergencies make normal voting rules impractical, with related costs paid by the state. The act would take effect immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects
Registered voters who cannot vote at their regular polling place due to a Governor-declared state emergency, who would qualify for an emergency absentee ballot.
Election officials and absentee election managers who administer emergency absentee ballots and implement any emergency rules and forms.

Key Provisions
Authorizes any registered voter unable to vote at the regular polling place because of a Governor-declared state emergency to apply for and vote by an emergency absentee ballot.
Amends Sections 17-11-3 and 17-11-7 to include the Governor's state emergency as a basis for emergency absentee ballots and to define the application and affidavit process for such ballots.
Requires emergency absentee ballot applications for emergencies to be filed no later than the close of the business day before the election and allows the Secretary of State to promulgate emergency rules if needed, with emergency costs paid by the State.
Keeps existing safeguards about multiple ballots (none opened or counted) and the standard absentee affidavit requirements; the change expands who can be eligible in emergencies.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Voters and Voting