HB218 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Thomas JacksonRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

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

Summary

HB218 would add a limited early voting option by requiring counties to run at least one early voting center the week before Election Day with set hours.

What This Bill Does

If passed, each county must designate at least one early voting center open for 4 to 6 days during the week before Election Day, with specific hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. Any registered voter in the county may vote at the early voting center. The act does not change existing election procedures or the powers of election officials, and the Secretary of State must adopt rules to implement the new system. The law would take effect on the first day of the third month after it becomes law.

Who It Affects

• Registered voters in Alabama: can vote early at the county's early voting center during the designated week before Election Day.
• County governments and local election offices: must designate and operate at least one early voting center and set its hours and days.
• Boards of registrars, judges of probate, and other election officials: their powers and duties are not impaired or changed by this act.
• Secretary of State: must adopt rules to implement the early voting centers.

Key Provisions

• Definition of early voting center: a location where registered voters may vote during a one-week period immediately before Election Day for 4 to 6 days.
• Counties must designate at least one early voting center; if more than one, the county governs the boundaries for each center.
• 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 in their county.
• This act does not impair the powers and duties of election officials and does not affect Election Day voting procedures.
• Secretary of State must adopt rules for implementation.
• Effective date: first day of the third month after passage/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