SB301 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Absentee voting, procedures revised, circumstances when authorized expanded, photo identification for application required, Secs. 17-9-51 repealed; Secs. 17-9-30, 17-10-1, 17-10-2, 17-11-3, 17-11-4, 17-11-5, 17-11-7, 17-11-18, 17-11-19 am'd.

Summary

SB 301 revises Alabama's absentee voting rules to require photo ID with absentee applications, expand when absentee ballots can be used, and create a free Alabama photo voter identification card, while changing ballot handling and deadlines.

What This Bill Does

It requires a copy of photo identification with every absentee ballot application from a listed set of IDs; if ID is not provided on or after a certain date, the ballot may be issued as a provisional ballot. It allows postmarking on election day and receipt by mail no later than noon on the seventh day after the election, and moves unused ballot materials to the sheriff instead of the Secretary of State. It eliminates the public posting of a list of absentee ballot applications before elections and strengthens provisional ballot procedures and the ability for voters to check whether their provisional ballots were counted. It also creates an Alabama Photo Voter Identification Card, which is free and valid only for voting, and updates emergency, military, and overseas voting rules.

Who It Affects

• Registered Alabama voters who vote absentee or use emergency absentee voting, who must provide photo ID with their application and may cast provisional ballots if they cannot provide ID on time.
• Election officials and offices (absentee election managers, boards of registrars, sheriffs, and the Secretary of State) who must verify IDs, issue ballots, handle provisional ballots, manage lists and reporting, and coordinate the transfer of unused ballot materials.

Key Provisions

• Requires with-absentee-ballot applications a copy of photo identification from a specified list (driver's license, Alabama photo ID card, US passport, other approved photo IDs, college ID with photo, US military ID, tribal ID, etc.).
• Allows an absentee ballot to be postmarked by election day and received by mail no later than noon on the seventh day following the election; repeals the prior time-receipt rule (17-9-51).
• Creates the ALABAMA PHOTO VOTER IDENTIFICATION CARD, issued at no cost, valid only for voting, and designed to include a photo and required personal information; card must be surrendered if the voter moves out of state or ceases to be eligible to vote.
• Requires unused absentee ballot materials to be sent to the appropriate sheriff (not the Secretary of State) and outlines related cost and reporting provisions.
• Eliminates the requirement to publicly post absentee-ballot-application lists before elections and expands or clarifies provisional-ballot procedures and the process for voters to learn whether their provisional ballots were counted.
• Includes emergency, military, and overseas voting updates and establishes procedures for voters to verify provisional ballot status and for clerks to maintain confidential lists and certifications.

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