SB186 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Prohibit the use of any ranked-choice voting method in elections except for electors who vote by absentee ballot pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act

Summary

Alabama bans ranked-choice voting in most elections, allowing it only for absentee ballots under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, with the new rules taking effect on October 1, 2024.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds two new sections to the Alabama Code (11-46-10 and 17-1-6). It prohibits ranked-choice voting from being used to determine elections or nominations for local, state, or federal offices. It defines ranked-choice voting as ranking candidates and counting ballots in multiple rounds until a majority is reached. It also preserves an exception for electors voting by absentee ballot under UOCAVA, and sets the effective date of October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Voters in Alabama participating in local, state, and federal elections will be restricted from using ranked-choice voting and will use non-ranked methods instead.
• Absentee voters covered by the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) will continue to be allowed to use ranked-choice voting under the existing allowances.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits the use of ranked-choice voting in determining elections or nominations for local, state, and federal offices, with an explicit exception for absentee voters under UOCAVA.
• Adds new code sections 11-46-10 and 17-1-6, defines ranked-choice voting, states the sections supersede conflicting provisions, and sets an effective date of 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