SB376 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

William “Bill” M. BeasleyLinda Coleman-MadisonVivian Davis FiguresKirk HatcherBobby D. Singleton

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

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

Summary

SB376 would let Alabama registered voters vote absentee without needing an excuse.

What This Bill Does

It amends Sections 17-11-3 and 17-11-7 to allow any qualified elector to apply for and vote an absentee ballot without showing an excuse. The application must be submitted at least five days before the election, and ballots can be returned by mail, hand delivery, or commercial carrier. The bill preserves existing categories and procedures for special circumstances (such as military voters, caregivers, students studying outside the county, and emergencies) and includes emergency absentee ballot provisions.

Who It Affects

• All registered voters in Alabama who want to vote absentee (no excuse required).
• Military members, spouses, and overseas voters who vote absentee under federal law (and their families).
• Students studying outside their home county, employees with long shifts, and others who are away from their regular polling place on election day.
• Caregivers for family members and individuals with certain emergencies or who are incarcerated but not convicted of certain felonies.

Key Provisions

• Amends 17-11-3 and 17-11-7 to authorize absentee voting without an excuse.
• Allows any qualified elector to apply for and vote absentee by mail, hand delivery, or commercial carrier with at least five days' notice before the election.
• Requires an affidavit for absentee ballots and outlines the information voters must provide, with penalties for false statements.
• Includes emergency absentee voting provisions and emergency rule authority, with costs covered by the state.
• Prohibits counting more than one absentee ballot cast under the same name, except in an election contest.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Absentee Voting