AL HB71

Establishes an early voting process for general and special elections (excluding municipal elections) beginning with the November 2026 General Election, allowing qualified electors to vote in-person without excuse.

Early voting period runs from the Saturday 17 days before election day through the Thursday 5 days before, with minimum operating hours of at least eight continuous hours between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on at least two weekdays weekly and 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Requires each county to operate at least one early voting center per 100,000 residents using the most recent federal decennial census, with centers located in county courthouses, government buildings, or election day polling places.

Each county commission must appoint election officials (at least one inspector and three clerks per center) and create a communication plan publicizing early voting locations, dates, hours, and precinct assignments.

Secretary of State shall adopt rules ensuring early ballots are counted as election day votes, preventing duplicate voting, and maintaining voter privacy, with all expenses reimbursed per state law; act becomes effective July 1, 2025.