HB251 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Laura HallRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

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

Summary

HB251 would authorize no-excuse absentee voting for Alabama registered voters.

What This Bill Does

It amends Sections 17-11-3 and 17-11-7 to allow any qualified elector to apply for and vote an absentee ballot by mail, hand delivery, or a carrier with a five-day advance written application, removing the need to show a specific excuse. The no-excuse absentee option would apply to primary, general, special, and municipal elections, with the Secretary of State setting the delivery rules. Absentee ballots would still require an accompanying affidavit on the ballot envelope, and the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and gubernatorial approval.

Who It Affects

• All qualified voters in Alabama who want to vote absentee would be eligible without proving a reason.
• Election offices and officials, including county absentee election managers and the Secretary of State, would administer and enforce the new no-excuse absentee voting process.

Key Provisions

• No-excuse absentee voting is authorized for all elections; any qualified elector may apply in writing at least five days before the election and vote by mail, hand delivery, or commercial carrier (as determined by the Secretary of State).
• Amends Sections 17-11-3 and 17-11-7 to implement the change, requires an accompanying affidavit with absentee ballots, and sets the effective date to the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Elections