HB177 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Jul 24, 2021

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Mike Ball
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Elections, notification of absentee voter of defective and uncounted ballot, Sec. 17-11-10 am'd.
Summary: The bill requires the absentee election manager to mail voters an explanation of why their absentee ballot was not counted.
What This Bill Does
If an absentee ballot is not counted because the voter's affidavit signature or mark wasn't properly witnessed (or for other legal reasons), the absentee election manager must mail the voter an explanation for the rejection within 10 calendar days after the election. The written notice must be signed by the election official who rejected the ballot. The unopened affidavit envelope and the reason for rejection must be documented and returned to the absentee election manager, and the public can request the reason at cost within 10 days. The bill keeps existing procedures for handling and counting absentee ballots but adds this post-election notification requirement.

Who It Affects
Absentee voters whose ballots are not counted receive a mailed explanation of the reason for rejection.
Absentee election managers who are responsible for sending the notices and handling related documentation.

Key Provisions
Adds a requirement that, after each election, an absentee election manager mail the voter the reason why their absentee ballot was not counted.
The notice must be sent by first-class mail within 10 calendar days after the election and must be signed by the rejecting election official.
If a ballot is rejected, the unopened affidavit envelope and the written reason for rejection must be handled and returned to the absentee election manager; the public may request the reason at cost within 10 days.
The Secretary of State must promulgate rules to implement this notification requirement.

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