HB 168 Summary

• Allows any qualified Alabama elector to vote by absentee ballot by mail, hand delivery, or commercial carrier without meeting any specific excuse requirements, removing current restrictions that limit absentee voting to those with qualifying circumstances.

• Eliminates the eight existing excuses required for absentee voting (being out of county/state, physical illness, work conflicts, student status, military service, election officer duty, caregiver responsibilities, and incarceration).

• Requires absentee ballot applications returned by mail to be received at least 7 days before the election and applications returned by hand to be received at least 5 days before the election.

• Maintains existing affidavit requirements for absentee ballots, requiring voter certification and either notarization or witnessing by two persons 18 years of age or older.

• Takes effect on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.