HB116 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Thomas JacksonRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Voting, requiring each county to provide at least one early voting center prior to election day

Summary

HB116 would require each Alabama county to open at least one early voting center in the week before Election Day, with set hours, so voters can vote early.

What This Bill Does

It requires counties to designate and provide at least one early voting center that is open for 4 to 6 days during the week before Election Day. The operating hours are 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. If a county designates more than one center, the county governing body has the authority to configure the boundaries and decide which days the centers are open. The bill clarifies that early voting does not change the powers of election officials, and the Secretary of State would adopt implementing rules.

Who It Affects

• Registered voters in Alabama: can vote early at designated centers during the week before Election Day.
• County and state election officials (county governing bodies, boards of registrars, judges of probate, and the Secretary of State): must establish and manage early voting centers, set hours, and implement rules.

Key Provisions

• Defines 'early voting center' as a location where registered voters may vote not less than four days nor more than six days during the one-week period immediately preceding Election Day.
• Requires each county's governing body to designate and provide at least one early voting center; if more than one center is designated, the governing body controls the boundaries for each center and the days they may be open.
• Specifies 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.
• Provides that the act does not impair or affect existing powers and duties of election officials, and requires the Secretary of State to adopt rules; the act becomes effective October 1, 2024.

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, Voting, & Campaigns