SB228 Alabama 2018 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Rodger SmithermanSenator
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2018
Title: Absentee voting, procedures revised, circumstances when authorized expanded, photo identification for application required, Secs. 17-9-51, 17-11-19 repealed; Secs. 17-9-30, 17-10-1, 17-10-2, 17-11-3, 17-11-4, 17-11-5, 17-11-7, 17-11-18 am'd.
Summary: SB 228 rewrites Alabama's absentee voting rules to require photo ID for absentee applications, expands who may vote absentee (including caregivers and emergency situations), allows provisional ballots when ID is missing, and adjusts deadlines while repealing older provisions.
What This Bill Does
Absentee ballot applications must include photo ID from a specified list, and late applications without ID may be issued as provisional ballots with a cure deadline. The bill adds caregivers and emergency medical or death-in-family situations as valid reasons to vote absentee. It removes the prior requirement to publicly post a daily list of absentee ballot applications and extends postmark/receipt windows for mail ballots. It also repeals two older sections and gives the Secretary of State authority to implement rules.

Who It Affects
Voters in Alabama who vote absentee (including those with caregiving duties or facing emergencies) — they would need photo ID to apply, may use provisional ballots if ID is not provided, and have new deadlines for mail ballots.
Election officials and offices (absentee election managers, boards of registrars, sheriffs, and probate judges) — they would implement ID checks, process provisional ballots, maintain records, and adapt to new deadlines and procedures.

Key Provisions
Absentee ballot applications must include a copy of a valid photo ID listed in the bill; late applications without ID may be issued as provisional ballots and must be cured with ID by a deadline after the election, otherwise the ballot will not be counted.
Expanded eligibility and deadlines: caregivers for family members and emergencies (emergency medical treatment or death in the family) qualify for absentee voting; postmark deadline is by Election Day and mail ballots must be received by noon on the seventh day after the election; the rule removes the public posting requirement and repeals certain older sections.

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