HB637 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Thomas JacksonRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Absentee voting, authorize without providing excuse, Secs. 17-11-3, 17-11-7 am'd.

Summary

HB 637 would allow Alabama voters to vote absentee without needing an excuse.

What This Bill Does

It amends Sections 17-11-3 and 17-11-7 to authorize no-excuse absentee voting. Qualified voters would be able to apply in writing at least five days before an election and vote by mail or by hand delivery in person. The bill keeps existing procedures for emergency absentee ballots and the affidavit requirements that come with absentee voting. If enacted, the law would take effect on the first day of the third month after it is passed and signed by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• All qualified electors in Alabama who wish to vote absentee would gain the ability to do so without having to provide a specific excuse, expanding access to absentee voting.
• County election officials, absentee election managers, and the Secretary of State would implement and administer the no-excuse absentee voting process, including handling requests, managing deadlines, and overseeing emergency absentee provisions.

Key Provisions

• Amends 17-11-3 and 17-11-7 to authorize no-excuse absentee voting.
• Requires written application for an absentee ballot at least five days before the election; ballots may be requested by mail or by hand delivery, as provided in Sections 17-11-5 and 17-11-9.
• Retains emergency and special absentee ballot provisions (emergency ballots, out-of-county emergencies, etc.) with defined procedures.
• Maintains affidavit requirements for absentee ballots and penalties for false statements to deter fraud.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month following passage and governor approval.

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