SB77 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Rodger SmithermanSenator
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Absentee voting, authorize without excuse or explanation, Secs. 17-9-30, 17-11-3, 17-11-4, 17-11-5, 17-11-7, 17-11-9, 17-11-10, 17-11-49 am'd.
Summary: SB77 would allow no-excuse absentee voting and establish an early voting period with designated centers, while requiring photo ID for absentee applications and giving the Secretary of State rulemaking authority.
What This Bill Does
It enables no-excuse absentee voting for qualified electors. It creates an early voting period at designated centers before election day, with minimum days and hours, to be managed by judges of probate and staffed by appointed poll workers. It requires absentee ballot applications to include a form of photo identification, allows an electronic submission process for applications, and removes the requirement that an absentee ballot include two witnesses. The Secretary of State would issue rules to implement these changes.

Who It Affects
Qualified Alabama electors who would be able to vote absentee without giving an excuse and who may participate in early voting at designated centers.
Election administration entities and staff (Secretary of State, judges of probate, appointing boards, and election workers) who will implement, operate, and oversee the new absentee and early voting procedures.

Key Provisions
No-excuse absentee voting is allowed for qualified electors.
An early voting period is established with designated centers, minimum days, and hours, managed by probate judges and staffed by appointed poll workers.
Absentee ballot applications must include a form of photo identification; the Secretary of State may establish an electronic submission process; the requirement for two witness signatures on absentee ballots is removed.
The Secretary of State must promulgate rules to implement these changes, and the act becomes effective 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: Absentee Voting