HB148 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

David StandridgeRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Elections, Election Emergency Act, establish, suspension or delay election in emergency, authorized, Secs. 17-9-70 to 17-9-72, inclusive, added

Summary

Creates the Elections Emergency Act to let the Governor suspend or delay elections during emergencies and to require a contingency plan and procedures for rescheduling.

What This Bill Does

Adds a new article to law that lets the Governor suspend or delay elections during an imminent threat of emergency. The Governor can act alone or with input from the Secretary of State, a county judge of probate, or a municipal clerk. If elections are suspended or delayed, the Governor must reschedule them with the Secretary of State, and the new date should be within 10 days or as soon as practicable, with notice published in newspapers and, when possible, announced on radio/TV. The Secretary of State will adopt a statewide contingency plan outlining procedures for notice, orderly rescheduling, and the release and certification of returns. If an emergency occurs on election day, counties may establish an additional polling place outside the affected precincts using the existing registration books.

Who It Affects

• Voters in precincts, districts, or counties affected by an emergency (they may experience suspension or delay of elections and need to follow rescheduled dates and notices).
• State and local elections officials (Governor, Secretary of State, judges of probate, municipal clerks, county commissions) who implement suspension/delay, coordinate rescheduling, and manage polling places.
• Polling place staff and election workers who must operate under new timing, locations, and procedures.
• Media and the public who receive notice about suspensions, delays, and rescheduled elections.

Key Provisions

• Creates Article 4 of Chapter 9, Title 17, known as the Elections Emergency Act, authorizing suspension or delay of elections during emergencies.
• Defines 'imminent threat of emergency' and sets triggers for Governor action to suspend or delay elections.
• Authorizes the Governor to suspend or delay elections, with potential input from the Secretary of State, a county judge of probate, or a municipal clerk.
• Requires the Governor, after consultation with the Secretary of State, to reschedule the election within 10 days (or as practicable) and to provide notice via newspapers and, when practicable, radio/TV announcements.
• directs the Secretary of State to adopt a statewide contingency plan detailing notice, rescheduling procedures, and the release/certification of results.
• Section 17-9-72 allows a county commission to establish an additional polling place outside the affected precincts on the day of an emergency election, using the existing registration books.

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