HB176 Summary

• Establishes the Alabama Electronic Overseas Voting Advisory Committee to determine whether secure electronic means can be implemented for overseas absentee voting.

• Committee membership includes the Secretary of State (chair), representatives from sheriffs, probate judges, circuit clerks, county registrars, and county commissions, plus legislative committee chairs, the Alabama National Guard, Governor, Attorney General, Director of Veterans Affairs, and Veterans of Foreign Wars executive director.

• Secretary of State shall promulgate rules for overseas absentee voting procedures including ballot requests, transmission methods (mail, fax, electronic), voter identity verification, encryption requirements, and ballot processing.

• Committee and Secretary of State must establish requirements for overseas voter certificates, voting instructions, ballot returns, and security protocols to ensure encrypted transmission and voter authenticity.

• All expenses and costs incurred by the state and counties implementing this act shall be paid by the State of Alabama from funds available to the Secretary of State.