HB161 Summary

• Amends municipal election procedures in Alabama to allow provisional ballots for voters whose names do not appear on the qualified voter list at polling places.

• Deletes provisions related to challenged ballots and related offenses, replacing the challenge process with a provisional ballot system for voters not on the voter list.

• Establishes recount procedures allowing any person with standing to request a recount within 48 hours of official canvass, with costs borne by the petitioner unless the recount alters the election result.

• Transfers absentee ballot duties from county registers to town or city clerks in municipal elections and makes electronic vote counting system procedures applicable to municipal elections where practicable.

• Exempts municipal elections from voter identification requirements under Section 17-9-30(f) and becomes effective the first day of the third month following passage and approval.