HB83 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Laura HallRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

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

Summary

HB83 would let a registered Alabama voter vote absentee without having to provide a specific excuse.

What This Bill Does

The bill would change absentee voting rules so that no particular excuse is required to vote absentee. Voters would still apply in writing at least five days before the election and could cast their absentee ballot by mail, hand delivery, or commercial carrier. The language also preserves existing procedures for affidavits, emergency absentee voting, and related safeguards, and it includes rules for military and overseas voters; the act would take effect a few months after approval by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• All qualified electors in Alabama would gain no-excuse access to absentee ballots, expanding who can vote absentee beyond those with specific stated excuses.
• Groups historically using specific excuses (e.g., traveling out of county/state, work schedules, students away from home, caregivers, Armed Forces members and their spouses, and those who are incarcerated without disqualifying felonies) would be able to vote absentee without needing to prove an excuse.

Key Provisions

• Amends Sections 17-11-3 and 17-11-7 to authorize no-excuse absentee voting for any qualified elector.
• Allows application for an absentee ballot in writing at least five days before the election, with voting by mail, hand delivery, or commercial carrier.
• Maintains the absentee ballot affidavit process and witness/notary requirements; includes penalties for providing false information.
• Preserves emergency absentee voting provisions and the option for the Secretary of State to adopt emergency rules during state or federal emergencies, including funding considerations.
• Addresses military and overseas voters by enabling use of the federal postcard application form for absentee voting under federal law.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month following its 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

Elections