Bill > HB77

This bill amends Alabama's voting laws to allow a person with a disability to have a designated representative deliver their absentee ballot application and ballot to the election manager. The bill defines "disability" as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Specifically, the changes permit a voter's designee to submit an absentee ballot application in person if the voter has a disability or requires emergency medical treatment. The bill also modifies the absentee voting process by changing the envelope requirements, now mandating three envelopes instead of two: a secrecy envelope for the ballot, an affidavit envelope, and a return mail envelope. Voters must now seal their ballot in the secrecy envelope, place that inside the affidavit envelope, complete the affidavit with a notary or two witnesses, and then place the affidavit envelope in the return mail envelope. For voters with disabilities, a designee may hand-deliver the return mail envelope or send it via mail or commercial carrier. The bill maintains existing provisions about prohibiting payment for ballot application distribution and retains requirements for voter identification. The changes will take effect on October 1, 2025, and aim to provide more accessible voting options for individuals with disabilities.

Government Affairs

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