SB128 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris ElliottSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Elections, revealing the contents of another voter's ballot prohibited, violation a Class B misdemeanor, Sec. 17-9-50.1 added

Summary

The bill makes it illegal to photograph or reveal another voter's ballot at polling places and sets a Class A misdemeanor for violations.

What This Bill Does

It adds a new rule prohibiting taking photos of another voter's ballot or revealing its contents at any polling place. Violating this rule can lead to a Class A misdemeanor. It allows a voter to post a photo of their own ballot online, and that posting or its retransmission is not a violation. The law takes effect after the governor signs it, and it is noted as creating a new crime, which exempts it from certain local-funding requirements.

Who It Affects

• Voters at polling places who might photograph or disclose another voter's ballot; they could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor if they violate the rule.
• Voters who choose to share photos of their own ballots online; this activity is explicitly allowed and not subject to the prohibition.
• Election staff and others at polling places who enforce or witness the rule (indirectly affected by the new prohibition and penalties).

Key Provisions

• Section 17-9-50.1(a): Prohibits taking a photograph of another voter's ballot or revealing its contents to anyone outside someone legally assisting the voter.
• Section 17-9-50.1(b)-(c): Violations are Class A misdemeanors; posting one's own ballot photo online is allowed, and retransmission of that photo is not a violation.

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