HB217 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Thomas JacksonRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

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

Summary

HB217 would let any registered Alabama voter vote absentee without needing an excuse.

What This Bill Does

It amends Sections 17-11-3 and 17-11-7 to eliminate the excuse requirement for absentee voting, effectively authorizing no-excuse absentee ballots. It allows qualified voters to apply for and vote absentee by mail, hand delivery, or carrier, with deadlines carried over from current law (mail applications due at least seven days before the election; in-person by five days before). It retains emergency absentee provisions and safeguards to prevent counting more than one ballot from the same voter.

Who It Affects

• All registered Alabama voters, who would be eligible to vote absentee without providing an excuse.
• Election administrators and local election officials who will implement and manage the no-excuse absentee voting system, including processing applications, delivery methods, deadlines, and emergency provisions.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 17-11-3 and Section 17-11-7 to authorize absentee voting without an excuse.
• Allows a qualified elector to apply for and vote an absentee ballot by mail, hand delivery, or carrier, as determined by the Secretary of State.
• Maintains application deadlines: mail applications must be received at least seven days before the election; hand-delivered applications at least five days before.
• Preserves emergency absentee voting provisions and the Secretary of State's authority to issue emergency rules during states of emergency, with costs covered by the state.
• Maintains safeguards against more than one absentee ballot being counted for the same voter.
• Provides for use of federal forms (e.g., federal postcard application) for military and overseas voters.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after 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