HB345 Alabama 2021 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Dickie Drake
Republican
Co-Sponsor: Jim Carns
Session: Regular Session 2021
Title: Election, clarifying the distance from a polling place within which an individual may not campaign, Sec. 17-9-50 am'd.
Summary: The bill clarifies that the 30-foot no-campaign zone around a polling place is measured from the door of the building where the voting machines are located.
What This Bill Does
It amends Section 17-9-50 to specify how the 30-foot campaigning distance is measured. It maintains the ban on campaign activity within 30 feet of the polling place door, but now the distance is measured from the door of the building that houses the voting machines. The bill keeps existing exemptions for electors, those assisting them, and certain officials. It becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects
Campaigners and political volunteers: would need to stay at least 30 feet away from the door of the polling place building, with the measurement taken from the door of the building that contains the voting machines.
Voters, election workers, and certain officials: continue to be governed by the existing exemptions (electors and those assisting them, judge of probate, sheriff or deputy, precinct election officials, watchers), with the measurement clarification guiding enforcement.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 17-9-50 to clarify that the 30-foot campaigning distance is measured from the door of the building in which voting machines are located.
Preserves the existing prohibition on campaigning within 30 feet of the polling place door, with the measurement reference clarified.
Maintains exemptions for electors and those assisting them, and for specific officials (judge of probate, sheriff or deputy, precinct election officials, watchers).
Establishes the bill’s effective date as 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: Voters and Voting