SB11 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Sam GivhanSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Electoral Voting of U.S. President and Vice President; procedures established if presidential electors fail to vote in accordance with state voters; Alabama Uniform Faithful Presidential Electors Act established

Summary

SB11 creates the Alabama Uniform Faithful Presidential Electors Act to govern how presidential electors vote, handle deviations from the state's voters’ choice, and manage vacancies and substitutions, effective October 1, 2026.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a formal process requiring electors to vote for the state's party nominees (or unaffiliated candidates) and to sign ballots, with votes counted only if they align with those pledges. It sets rules for filling vacancies in the electors' ranks with substitute electors, including by lot when needed, and requires substitutes to take pledges to act in line with the original elector’s pledge. It gives the Governor and Secretary of State roles in certifying electors, presiding the meeting, and issuing amended certificates of ascertainment and the final certificate of vote.

Who It Affects

• Presidential electors and alternate electors in Alabama, who must pledge to vote for their party's nominees and follow substitution rules if vacancies occur.
• The Governor, Secretary of State, and political parties that nominate electors, who have duties to submit nominee lists, preside over meetings, certify electors, and manage amendments to official certificates.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Alabama Uniform Faithful Presidential Electors Act and designates Division 2 (Sections 17-14-40 onward).
• For each elector position, parties must submit two names: an elector nominee and an alternate elector nominee, with pledges to vote for the party's presidential and vice presidential nominees (or unaffiliated candidates).
• Electors must vote in accordance with their pledges; if an elector does not, vacancies are filled by substitute electors as specified (including by lot when necessary).
• The Governor certifies electors and may issue an amended certificate of ascertainment if the final elector list differs; the amended certificate is substituted for the original.
• The Secretary of State presides over the elector meeting, counts ballots, and records only ballots that conform to pledges; substitutes are used to complete all electoral votes.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Elections, Voting, & Campaigns