SB45 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

William “Bill” M. BeasleySenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Elections, Sec. of State authorized to conduct a one-time post-election audit of vote count

Summary

SB45 would let the Secretary of State run a one-time post-election audit after the 2022 general election to verify the accuracy of the reported results.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes a limited post-election pilot audit in three diverse Alabama counties. The audit would cover one statewide office and one county office in each of the three counties, conducted between November 30, 2022 and January 31, 2023, with county consent. The Secretary of State would issue orders to access ballot boxes and materials, and poll workers would be used for the audit. Expenses would be covered by federal funds, and the results would be publicly posted at the courthouse and on the Secretary of State's website.

Who It Affects

• Secretary of State: gains authority to conduct, oversee, and publish the results of the one-time post-election pilot audit.
• County commissions and judges of probate (local officials): must consent to the audit and coordinate access to ballot boxes and materials, plus help schedule the audit; sheriffs may assist as needed.
• Poll workers: will be appointed to carry out the audit.
• Voters and the public in Alabama: will have the audit results publicly posted at the courthouse and on the Secretary of State's website, increasing transparency of the election results.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama Voter Confidence Pilot Act and authorizes a one-time post-election pilot audit after the November 8, 2022 statewide general election.
• Audit timing: no earlier than November 30, 2022 and no later than January 31, 2023.
• County selection: three counties chosen to reflect racial, urban/rural, and economic diversity (one in north Alabama, one in central Alabama, one in south Alabama); audit covers one statewide office and one county office in each county.
• Consent and access: requires consent of the county commission and judge of probate; the Secretary of State may issue written orders to open ballot boxes and access election materials; may request pre-audit access to organize materials.
• Personnel: poll workers appointed to conduct the audit.
• Funding: county expenses for the audit reimbursed from federal funds.
• Public reporting: results posted on the courthouse door and on the Secretary of State's website.
• Effective date: takes effect immediately after governor’s approval.

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