SB9 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clyde ChamblissSenator

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

SB9 requires voter-marked paper ballots to be used with electronic vote counting systems in Alabama and updates related voting equipment rules.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill requires that any approved electronic vote counting system used in elections must use a paper ballot that the voter marks and can inspect before the vote is counted. It also establishes certification and oversight procedures, including independent testing standards, vendor cost reimbursement, and a prohibition on using non-certified systems; any changes to certified systems must be recertified before adoption.

Who It Affects

• Voters in Alabama, who will vote on paper-marked ballots associated with electronic counting and be able to inspect their ballot before counting.
• Vendors and county election officials, who must obtain certification for systems, cover examination costs, and ensure any changes or improvements to systems are recertified before use.

Key Provisions

• Any approved electronic vote counting system used in an election must require a voter-marked, inspectable paper ballot before counting.
• Certification and oversight of electronic vote counting systems by the Alabama Electronic Voting Committee, including independent testing authority standards, vendor cost reimbursement, prohibition on non-certified systems, and recertification for changes.

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