SB19 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Municipalities, elections under Title 11, absentee ballots, voting machines, provisions regarding tie votes, Secs. 11-46-32, 11-46-33, 11-46-55 am'd.

Summary

SB19 updates Alabama's municipal elections by extending absentee supply delivery deadlines, clarifying voting machine terminology, and detailing how ties after runoffs are decided.

What This Bill Does

It requires absentee election supplies to be delivered at least 35 days before an election (instead of 21). It clarifies that 'voting machines' are distinct from 'electronic vote counting systems' as defined elsewhere. It also sets a step-by-step process to decide winners if a runoff results in a tie, including actions by the municipal governing body, potential resolution by lot by a county probate judge, and certificate filing requirements.

Who It Affects

• Mayors or other municipal chief executives: must procure and deliver absentee supplies 35 days before elections.
• Municipal clerks and election officers: oversee preparation, handling, and delivery of absentee ballots and voting equipment; if the clerk is a candidate, delivery goes to the designated substitute.
• Municipal voters (including absentee voters) and candidates: affected by the earlier delivery deadline and runoff/tie procedures.
• Municipal governing bodies (city councils): responsible for breaking runoff ties, with tie-breaking procedures outlined and timeframes specified; may involve county probate or circuit court judges if needed.
• Election watchers and inspectors: participate in sealing, inspection, and documentation of voting equipment and election materials.

Key Provisions

• 11-46-32 changes the absentee supplies delivery deadline from 21 to 35 days before election; requires delivery to polling places and the municipal clerk; if the clerk is a candidate, delivery is to the person designated to act in their stead.
• 11-46-33 clarifies that 'voting machines' are distinct from 'electronic vote counting systems' and outlines related machine setup and handling requirements (labels, seals, canvass forms, etc.).
• 11-46-55 establishes the procedure to determine the winner after a runoff tie, including the municipal governing body breaking the tie by a specified time, possible resolution by lot by the county probate judge, and requirements for certifying and filing election results.

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

Subjects

Municipalities