SB90 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bryan Taylor

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Absentee voting, election deadlines revised, distribution of ballots, compliance with Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, overseas voters authorized to use federal write-in absentee ballot, Sec. 17-11-43.1 added; Secs. 17-6-21, 17-9-3, 17-9-51, 17-11-5, 17-11-12, 17-11-18, 17-13-5, 17-13-18, 17-13-22, 17-13-23, 17-13-81, 17-13-82, 17-13-85, 17-13-86 am'd.

Summary

SB90 would align Alabama's absentee voting rules with the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act and allow overseas voters to use federal write-in ballots in certain elections.

What This Bill Does

The bill revises several deadlines for candidate nomination, ballot printing, and contest procedures to better comply with UOCAVA. It also modifies rules about when absentee ballots can be opened and counted, providing a specific exception for UOCAVA voters. Additionally, it creates a new provision allowing overseas voters to use federal write-in absentee ballots in various elections, with implementing rules to be issued by the Secretary of State. The changes take effect immediately upon enactment.

Who It Affects

• Overseas/military voters who vote absentee, as their ballot timing and counting rules are adjusted and they may be able to use federal write-in ballots under certain circumstances.
• Election officials and offices (Secretary of State, judge of probate, absentee election managers, and related county/circuit staff) who administer absentee voting, print and distribute ballots, manage voter lists, and report election data under the revised timelines.

Key Provisions

• Amends multiple sections (including 17-6-21, 17-9-3, 17-9-51, 17-11-5, 17-11-12, 17-11-18, 17-13-5, 17-13-18, 17-13-22, 17-13-23, 17-13-81, 17-13-82, 17-13-85, 17-13-86) to change deadlines related to candidate certification, printing/distribution of ballots, and contest rules to facilitate UOCAVA compliance.
• Adds Section 17-11-43.1 allowing overseas voters voting absentee under UOCAVA to use federal write-in absentee ballots in all elections, with implementing rules to be issued by the Secretary of State.
• Specifies processes for handling absentee ballot lists, specimen ballots, and delivery of ballots and supplies to counties and municipalities, as well as timing for when ballots must be distributed and available.
• Effective date: Immediate upon passage and approval.

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

Subjects

Absentee Voting