SB5 Alabama 2016 1st Special Session Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald O. Dial

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2016

Title

Chilton Co., sex offenders, adult, certain residential limitations repealed, Sec. 45-11-82 repealed

Summary

This bill changes how write-in votes are counted in non-municipal general elections, allowing them to be counted with provisional ballots when a specific threshold is met.

What This Bill Does

It amends sections 17-6-28 and 17-12-1 to count write-in votes for a specific office if the write-ins are at least the margin between the top two finishers, or if a voter submits a qualifying written request. It requires ballots to be designed to allow proper write-ins, and sets rules for valid write-ins, over-votes, and counting procedures. It also establishes canvassing, reporting, posting notices, objections, and cost-reimbursement processes, and allows eligible voters to request that write-ins be counted with a bond to cover the cost.

Who It Affects

• Voters who cast write-in votes in non-municipal general elections; their write-ins would be counted if they meet the threshold or if a formal request with cost coverage is made.
• Election officials and bodies (canvassing boards, judges of probate, sheriffs, and the Secretary of State) who administer counting, reporting, posting notices, handling objections, and reimbursing costs.

Key Provisions

• Write-in votes are allowed only in non-municipal general elections and are counted if the write-ins for an office are greater than or equal to the margin between the two leading candidates, or upon a qualifying written request.
• Ballots must be constructed to allow a write-in vote for each office; a valid write-in requires writing the name and marking the designated space; misregistration or over-votes are addressed with specific rules to determine validity and counting.
• After polls close, write-in votes are tallied at a central location by a canvassing board, with notices provided to affected parties and candidates; results are posted publicly.
• For federal/state offices, county-level counts are transmitted to the Secretary of State, who then determines if statewide write-ins meet the threshold to be counted and reported; for county offices, the county determines threshold applicability locally.
• When the threshold is met, write-in votes are counted at the same time and in the same manner as provisional ballots; objections can be filed, and eligible counts or corrections are made if merit is found.
• Expenses for counting write-ins are reimbursable; electors may request counts for specific offices by posting a bond to cover costs; counting in such cases occurs with provisional ballots.

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

Subjects

Chilton County