SB335 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

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

Summary

SB335 would let any qualified Alabama voter vote absentee without needing to show an excuse.

What This Bill Does

It amends Sections 17-11-3 and 17-11-7 to remove the excuse requirement for absentee voting. Voters would still apply in writing at least five days before the election and can vote absentee by mail, hand delivery, or commercial carrier. The bill keeps provisions for military/overseas voters to use federal forms and retains emergency absentee voting rules; the changes take effect immediately after the governor approves the bill.

Who It Affects

• Qualified electors in Alabama who wish to vote absentee would be able to do so without proving an excuse.
• Election offices and election managers would administer the simpler absentee voting process and ensure ballots are handled under the new rule.

Key Provisions

• Amends Sections 17-11-3 and 17-11-7 to authorize absentee voting without an excuse.
• Maintains the five-day written application requirement and allows absentee ballots to be delivered by mail, hand delivery, or commercial carrier.
• Preserves the option for military and overseas voters to use the federal postcard application form.
• Retains emergency absentee voting provisions and related procedures.
• Effective immediately upon 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

Elections