SB302 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Voting, early voting procedure established, all elections

Summary

SB302 would create an early voting period in Alabama, allowing residents to vote before election day at designated centers.

What This Bill Does

It allows qualified voters to cast ballots without an excuse during an early voting period at county early voting centers. It requires minimum days and hours for these centers and tasks county officials with managing the process. It requires the Secretary of State to issue rules to implement the program.

Who It Affects

• Registered voters in Alabama counties: can vote early without needing an excuse at designated early voting centers before election day.
• Election officials (judges of probate and appointing boards): manage and staff the early voting centers, designate centers, set hours, and appoint poll workers.

Key Provisions

• Establishes an early voting period where registered voters may vote without excuse at an early voting center in their county before election day.
• Centers must operate with minimum days and hours; at least five voting days within the 14-day pre-election period and both Saturdays before statewide elections.
• Centers must be open for at least 10 hours on each day they are open.
• Judges of probate must designate at least one early voting center per county and may designate more centers with defined boundaries; all centers in a county share the same days and hours.
• Appointing boards are responsible for appointing poll workers for the early voting period.
• Secretary of State must promulgate rules to implement the early voting system.
• The act applies to all elections.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage.

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

Subjects

Voters and Voting