SB180 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

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

SB180 would remove the requirement that UOCAVA absentee ballots’ affidavits be witnessed or notarized.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 17-11-7 to eliminate the two-witness or notary requirement for affidavits accompanying absentee ballots cast under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). This change brings Alabama law in line with federal rules for UOCAVA voters and reduces the processing steps for those ballots. The act becomes effective immediately after passage and the governor's approval.

Who It Affects

• UOCAVA voters (military members and overseas citizens) voting absentee in Alabama will no longer need their affidavits witnessed or notarized.
• Alabama election officials and absentee ballot processing staff will apply the new rule when handling UOCAVA ballots, potentially reducing steps and changing procedures specific to these ballots.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 17-11-7 to remove the requirement that the affidavit accompanying absentee ballots be witnessed by two witnesses or a notary public or other officer authorized to administer oaths for UOCAVA voters.
• Provides that the act becomes effective immediately following its passage and the governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Absentee Voting