SB240 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Donnie ChesteenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Elections, authorize student interns to assist, program created

Summary

The bill allows probate judges to appoint up to two unpaid student interns per precinct to assist at polling places on election day, with training, supervision, and an excused-absence provision.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes each county probate judge to appoint up to two high school or college students per precinct to work as unpaid interns at polling places on election day. Students must meet specific qualifications, including recommendation, age 16 or older, residency, and enrollment in a qualifying school or higher education program. Intern duties are determined by election officials and may not include determining voter qualifications or operating voting equipment, and interns must be supervised by poll managers. Interns must complete required training before performing duties, and if they work four or more hours on election day or during training while in school, they receive an excused absence from school.

Who It Affects

• High school and college students who are residents of the county and meet the eligibility requirements; they can be appointed as unpaid polling-place interns.
• County probate judges and other election officials who appoint, supervise, train, and assign duties to the student interns.

Key Provisions

• Allows a judge of probate in each county to appoint not more than two student interns per precinct to serve on election day.
• Intern qualifications include: recommendation by a principal or school official (or home instruction official), at least 16 years old, resident of the county or municipality, and enrolled in public high school, accredited private high school, home instruction, or higher education; and classified as junior/senior or equivalent or enrolled in a two-year or four-year college.
• Duties of interns are set by election officials and may not include determining voter qualifications or operating/maintaining voting equipment.
• Interns must be under the supervision of poll managers and complete required training for poll workers.
• A student intern who works four or more hours in a day during school hours on election day or during training is entitled to an excused absence from school under Chapter 28 of Title 16, Code of Alabama 1975.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and governor’s 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

Elections