SB1 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Garlan GudgerSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Absentee voting; prohibit assistance in preparation of; exceptions provided

Summary

SB1 tightens how absentee ballot applications and ballots are handled, bans certain kinds of help and payments, and creates penalties for violations while preserving some exemptions.

What This Bill Does

It would require absentee ballot applications to be filed on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State and would restrict pre-filling or completing an application by another person in most cases. It would also ban paying or giving a gift to someone to handle a voter's absentee ballot application or ballot, with criminal penalties for violations. Voters who need help due to blindness, disability, or illiteracy may still receive assistance from a person of their choice, and military/overseas voters are not subject to these provisions. The bill notes a local-funds expenditure exception and would take effect soon after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Absentee voters who may need assistance, who would face new restrictions on who can help and how help is provided.
• Individuals or groups who assist with absentee ballots or are paid to do so, who would be barred from handling or receiving payments for these tasks and could face felony charges.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 17-11-4 to require use of a state-prescribed absentee ballot application form and restricts handling of applications by others (no widespread prefill or completion by third parties).
• Prohibits third parties from receiving payments or gifts to distribute, order, request, collect, prefill, complete, obtain, or deliver a voter's absentee ballot application or ballot, with violations carrying Class B or Class C felonies depending on the activity.
• Requires the applicant's manual signature (under penalty of perjury); if signed by mark, a witness must sign as well.
• Allows assistance to fill out the application for voters who need it (e.g., due to disability), but restricts how and by whom such assistance can be provided.
• Exempts voters voting under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act and provides related procedures for military/overseas voters; includes a constitutional local-funds expenditure note and immediate operative effect.

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