HB19 Alabama 2016 1st Special Session Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Richard Lindsey

Democrat

Session

First Special Session 2016

Title

Governor, cabinet positions, department heads, assistant cabinet and department head positions, exempt positions, salary increase limited to three percent per year, Sec. 36-6-6 am'd.

Summary

HB19 would change how write-in votes are counted in Alabama, allowing them to be counted with provisional ballots when the write-ins reach a threshold based on the leading vote margin.

What This Bill Does

It amends write-in voting rules so that a specific office's write-in votes are counted at the same time as provisional ballots if the number of write-ins for that office is at least the difference between the top two candidates' votes. Write-ins would still be limited to non-municipal general elections and must be properly written and registered on the ballot to count. The bill sets out how canvassing boards determine, report, and post write-in counts, and it allows voters to request counts of write-ins (with a bond to cover the cost). It also clarifies counting procedures, over-vote handling, and that counting expenses are reimbursable, with the act taking effect several months after passage.

Who It Affects

• Voters who cast write-in votes for federal, state, or county offices in non-municipal general elections, whose write-ins could be counted if the threshold is met and counted with provisional ballots.
• Election officials and canvassing boards at the county and state level (including judges of probate and the Secretary of State), who would implement the new counting rules, prepare reports, post notices, and manage the logistics and funding for counting write-ins.

Key Provisions

• Write-in votes for a specific office are counted at the same time as provisional ballots if the number of write-ins for that office is greater than or equal to the margin between the two leading candidates.
• Write-ins are permitted only in non-municipal general elections and must be properly written on the ballot and registered in the designated space to count; improper registration or over-votes are handled as described in the text.
• County canvassing boards determine the number of write-in votes for each office, post notices, and report results to the Secretary of State; the Secretary checks statewide totals and notifies counties when write-ins will be counted.
• A voter may request that write-ins for a county or federal/state office be counted, by submitting a written request with a bond to cover costs; such counting occurs with provisional ballots.
• Counting expenses for write-in votes are reimbursable by the state or county as specified, and the act outlines associated administrative rules and procedures.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after approval, and it may involve additional procedural details for ballots, canvassing, and objection processes.

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

Subjects

Governor