SB370 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bobby D. SingletonSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

William “Bill” M. BeasleyLinda Coleman-MadisonVivian Davis FiguresKirk HatcherRodger Smitherman

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Voting, curbside voting authorized

Summary

SB370 would authorize curbside voting for eligible voters, especially those with disabilities, and requires the Secretary of State to adopt rules to implement the process.

What This Bill Does

The bill creates a curbside voting option outside polling places for eligible voters, including those who are disabled, pregnant, or approved by SOS rules for public health or safety reasons, with ADA-disabled individuals covered as well. It requires judges of probate to establish a curbside location within 150 feet of the polling place, visible to observers, and capable of allowing ballot marking and preserving voter secrecy. Voters would request curbside voting at the polling place, present valid photo ID, receive a paper ballot, mark it, and deposit it into a secure container that election officials then enter into the voting machine, while observers keep records of curbside use. The Secretary of State must adopt rules to implement the program, and the measure would apply to elections starting with the November 2022 general election cycle.

Who It Affects

• Electors with disabilities or eligibility under SOS rules (including ADA-recognized disabilities and, for some, pregnancy or public health/safety reasons) who want to vote curbside.
• Election officials and offices (including judges of probate, observers, poll watchers, and the Secretary of State) who implement, oversee, record, and verify curbside voting.

Key Provisions

• Defines curbside voting as voting conducted at a location outside the polling place with observation by election officials.
• Establishes eligibility: disabled, pregnant, or as authorized by SOS rules for public health and safety; ensures ADA-disability coverage.
• Requires a curbside location within 150 feet of the polling place, in plain view, and capable of preserving ballot secrecy and allowing marking without unnecessary assistance.
• Requires at least one election official to observe curbside voting, with possible additional observation by two party-affiliated poll watchers; establishes a process for voter identification and ballot handling (paper ballot, secure container, entry into voting machine) and record-keeping of curbside uses.
• Mandates the Secretary of State to adopt rules to implement curbside voting.
• Effective immediately upon passage and applicable to elections beginning with the November 2022 general election cycle.

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