HB186 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Alan BakerRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Elections, authorize student interns to assist, program created

Summary

HB 186 would let a judge of probate appoint up to two unpaid high school or college interns at each polling place on election day, with rules on qualifications, supervision, and school absences.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill lets counties appoint up to two interns per precinct to assist on election day. Interns must meet specified qualifications (recommended by a school official, at least 16, a county resident, and enrolled in public high school, accredited private high school, home instruction, or higher education). Their duties are defined by election officials, they cannot determine voter qualifications or operate voting equipment, and they must be supervised and trained; if they work four or more hours in a day during school hours or training, that time counts as an excused absence from school. If enacted, it would take effect on the first day of the third month after it becomes law.

Who It Affects

• High school and college students in Alabama who could serve as unpaid polling place interns, meeting qualifications and potentially receiving excused absences.
• Judges of probate and county election officials who appoint, supervise, and train interns at polling places; schools and principals who recommend students.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the judge of probate to appoint up to two unpaid student interns per precinct to assist at polling places on election day, with eligibility requirements (recommendation by a school official, age at least 16, county resident, and enrollment in public high school, accredited private school, home instruction, or higher education).
• Defines duties and training: interns work under poll managers' supervision, may not determine voter qualifications or operate voting equipment, must complete required training, and may receive excused school absences for four or more hours worked in a day during school hours or training.

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