HB256 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy WoodRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Absentee voting, eliminating requirement that affidavit accompanying absentee ballot be witnessed or notarized, Sec. 17-11-7 am'd.

Summary

HB256 would remove the witness/notary requirement for the absentee ballot affidavit for UOCAVA voters.

What This Bill Does

Currently, Alabama requires each absentee ballot to have an affidavit witnessed by two people or notarized. The bill eliminates that requirement for voters under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. This change applies only to UOCAVA voters; non-UOCAVA ballots would still need witnesses or a notary. The act would take effect immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Uniformed services members and overseas citizens voting absentee, who will no longer need witnesses or a notary for their affidavit
• Alabama election officials and absentee ballot processing, who will no longer collect witness signatures for UOCAVA ballots but must continue to enforce the existing rule for non-UOCAVA ballots

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 17-11-7 to remove the two-witness/notary requirement for UOCAVA absentee ballots
• Under UOCAVA, affidavits are exempt from witnessing/acknowledgment; non-UOCAVA ballots remain subject to the existing witnessing/notarization rule
• Effective date: immediately after passage and governor's 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

Absentee Voting