HB502 Summary

• Amends Sections 17-11-3 and 17-11-7 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to allow any qualified elector to vote by absentee ballot without providing an excuse.

• Removes the requirement that voters meet one of six specific criteria (out-of-county travel, physical illness, work shift conflicts, student status, military service, or election official appointment) to cast an absentee ballot.

• Maintains the five-day advance written application requirement and the affidavit envelope process for all absentee ballots.

• Preserves existing provisions for emergency absentee voting and state of emergency protocols.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.