HB53 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arnold MooneyRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to voting; to amend Section 17-7-23, Code of Alabama 1975, to require any approved electronic vote counting system used in an election to require the use of paper ballots; and to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style.

Summary

HB53 would require that any approved electronic vote counting system used in Alabama elections use a paper ballot that voters mark and inspect before the vote is counted.

What This Bill Does

It requires paper ballots for electronic voting and sets who certifies the systems. The Alabama Electronic Voting Committee would certify systems based on Federal Election Commission standards, and vendors may be charged costs for examining the equipment. If changes are made to certified systems, they must be recertified before counties adopt them; non-compliant changes can lead to suspension of sales. After certification, the Secretary of State must maintain a report and notify counties, and the bill clarifies non-substantive language updates.

Who It Affects

• Voters in Alabama, who would mark and inspect paper ballots before their votes are counted.
• Vendors and county election officials, who must submit systems for certification, pay examination costs, and ensure any changes are recertified and compliant.

Key Provisions

• Requires that any approved electronic vote counting system used in an election require the use of a paper ballot marked by the voter and inspectable before counting.
• Paper ballots are defined as those marked by hand or by a disability accessible ballot marking device.
• The Alabama Electronic Voting Committee must publicly examine and certify systems, using independent testing authorities when appropriate, with costs reimbursed by submitting vendors.
• Certified systems must meet FEC standards and require a paper ballot; uncertified systems cannot be adopted or used.
• After certification, changes must be certified before adoption, and the committee may re-examine to ensure ongoing compliance; non-compliant changes can suspend sales.
• The Secretary of State must maintain a certification report and notify counties of certification.
• Adoption of electronic voting with electronic ballots is validated; non-substantive language updates are included.
• Effective date: immediate upon passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Electronic vote counting system, use of a paper ballot required