SB378 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

Elections, early voting, authorize voting during four to six day period immediately preceding election day

Summary

SB378 would require every Alabama county to offer at least one early voting center open during a 14-day pre‑Election Day window, with centers operating 4–6 days in the week immediately before Election Day and set hours, so voters can cast ballots early.

What This Bill Does

It requires counties to designate at least one early voting center. Each center must be open for 4–6 days in the week before Election Day, with hours: weekdays and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sundays 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Any registered voter in the county may vote at these centers, and the act states that it does not impair the powers and duties of election officials or change Election Day voting procedures. The Secretary of State would adopt rules to implement the measure.

Who It Affects

• Registered voters in Alabama counties: can vote early at designated centers during the 14-day pre-Election Day window, with 4–6 days open in the final week and the specified hours.
• County and state election administrators: must designate early voting centers, manage their boundaries if there are multiple centers, set open days, and adopt implementing rules; the Secretary of State is tasked with adopting rules.

Key Provisions

• Defines early voting center as a location where registered voters may vote during the 14-day period immediately preceding Election Day.
• Governing body of each county must designate and provide at least one early voting center; if more than one center, the county controls the boundaries for each center.
• Centers must be open not less than four days and not more than six days during the one-week period immediately preceding Election Day.
• Hours of operation: weekdays and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sundays 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Any registered voter may vote at the early voting center located in his or her county; this does not impair powers/duties of boards of registrars, judges of probate, or other election officials, nor affect Election Day procedures.
• Secretary of State must adopt rules for implementation and administration of this section.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month following passage and governor's approval (or becoming law).

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