HB575 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mike Holmes

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Bob FincherTommy HanesReed IngramCharlotte MeadowsPhillip PettusHarry ShiverRich Wingo

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Elections, prohibiting poll watchers from assisting an individual with voting, Secs. 11-46-51, 17-9-13 am'd.

Summary

HB575 prohibits candidates and poll watchers from assisting voters and aligns municipal voting-assistance rules with nonmunicipal ones.

What This Bill Does

The bill would ban any candidate or poll watcher from helping a voter cast a ballot. It would make municipal election laws about getting assistance the same as nonmunicipal laws, allowing voters to receive help from any person they choose except the voter's employer, the employer's agent, a candidate, a poll watcher, or an officer or agent of the voter's union. The person providing assistance must sign the poll list to certify they are not in one of the prohibited roles, and if the voter cannot sign, the assistant may write the voter's name and sign. The bill also includes nonsubstantive technical revisions to update code language to current style and takes effect immediately upon governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Voters who need assistance in voting will be able to receive help from any eligible person chosen by the voter, but cannot be assisted by candidates or poll watchers.
• Candidates and poll watchers are restricted from aiding voters in any election.
• Election helpers (such as inspectors or other allowed individuals) must meet signing/certification requirements when providing assistance.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits a candidate or poll watcher from assisting a voter in any election.
• Aligns municipal assistance rules with nonmunicipal rules, allowing assistance from any chosen person except the voter's employer, the employer's agent, a candidate, a poll watcher, or a union officer/agent.
• Requires the assistant to sign the poll list certifying they are not a prohibited person; if the voter cannot sign, the assistant writes the voter's name and signs.
• Includes nonsubstantive technical revisions to update language and provides that the act becomes effective immediately after 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