Bill > HB71

This bill establishes a new early voting system for general and special elections in Alabama, starting with the November 2026 General Election. Under the new provisions, qualified voters can cast in-person ballots at early voting centers without needing to provide an excuse, with the early voting period beginning 17 days before election day and ending five days before election day. During this period, polling places must be open for at least eight continuous hours between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on at least two weekdays (with at least two days open until 8:00 p.m.), and between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Counties must establish at least one early voting center per 100,000 residents, with centers located in county courthouses, government buildings, or existing polling places. Each center must have at least two voting machines, and the voting process will be conducted similarly to election day voting. County commissions are required to create communication plans to inform voters about early voting options, and the Secretary of State must develop rules to ensure ballots are counted properly, the voting process is efficient and private, and voters cannot vote more than once in the same election. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing time for counties and election officials to prepare for the new early voting system.

Government Affairs

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