AL HB451

Write-in votes are permitted only in non-municipal general elections and are counted only if the write-in candidate is properly registered with the Secretary of State or judge of probate.

Any person seeking to be a write-in candidate for county, state, or federal office must register at least 60 days before the election, the same time independent candidates are required to register.

Write-in candidates must comply with the Fair Campaign Practices Act and the State Ethics Law in order to have their votes counted.

Valid write-in votes require the voter to both write the candidate's name on the ballot and mark the designated space for that office; votes not properly marked shall not be counted.

The Secretary of State shall promulgate rules to establish a registration process for write-in candidates and ensure judges of probate, election officials, and poll officials are properly notified about which write-in candidates' votes must be counted.