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HB 97

$DCEO-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

HB 97 allows absentee voters in Alabama to correct defects in their ballot affidavits, enhancing participation and ensuring more ballots are counted before elections.

Rule 19(b) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 97

Summary of HB 97: Absentee Ballots - Opportunity to Correct Affidavit Envelope Defects

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 97
- Title: Absentee ballots; opportunity to correct affidavit envelope of defects provided
- Status: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Constitution, Campaigns and Elections
- Introduced: February 12, 2025
- Classification: Bill
- Subject: Elections

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 97 is to amend existing laws regarding absentee ballots in Alabama, specifically to provide voters with the opportunity to correct defects in their absentee ballot affidavit envelopes. This aims to enhance voter participation and ensure that more absentee ballots are counted, thereby improving the integrity and accessibility of the electoral process.

Key Provisions

  • Notification of Defects: The bill mandates that absentee election managers must notify voters of any defects in their absentee ballot affidavits within two business days of receipt, provided the ballot is received at least three business days before the election.

  • Opportunity to Cure Defects: Voters will be allowed to correct specific defects in their absentee ballot affidavits, including:

    • Failure to sign the affidavit
    • Mismatched addresses between the affidavit and the absentee ballot application
    • Incorrect order of envelopes
    • Improper witnessing or notarization of the affidavit
    • Failure to indicate a reason for voting absentee

  • Deadline for Corrections: Voters will have until the last business day before the election to cure any identified defects.

Impact

  • Voters: The bill directly affects absentee voters by providing them with a clearer process to ensure their ballots are counted. This is particularly beneficial for those who may have inadvertently made errors in their applications.

  • Election Officials: Absentee election managers will have new responsibilities to notify voters and facilitate the correction process, which may require additional training and resources.

Procedural Aspects

  • Committee Review: The bill is currently pending action in the House Committee on Constitution, Campaigns and Elections following its first reading on February 4, 2025.
  • Timeline: The bill was filed on January 29, 2025, and is set to be discussed in committee before potentially moving forward in the legislative process.

Conclusion

HB 97 seeks to improve the absentee voting process in Alabama by allowing voters to correct defects in their absentee ballot affidavits. This legislative change aims to enhance voter participation and ensure that more absentee ballots are counted, thereby strengthening the electoral process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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