Voting Access and Process, including Election Reform and Redistricting
HB256 - Elections, early voting, authorize voting during four to six day period immediately preceding election day
[NOTE: See similar bill HB411. A comparison of the two bills is given below.]
Sponsor(s): Jackson, Jones (S), Alexander, Boyd, Gray, 4 Lawrence, Chestnut, Drummond, Forte, Warren, Hatcher, Howard, 5 Bracy, Moore (M), Rogers, Morris, Daniels and Hall
Synopsis and Analysis: Under existing law, voters in Alabama may vote only on election day. This bill would require each county to provide at least one early voting center to be open for a period of 14 days during the week immediately preceding election day, which allows registered voters to vote prior to the official election day. This bill would prescribe the hours of operation for each early voting center. This bill would clarify that this act does not impair or affect the powers and duties of boards of registrars, judges of probate, and other election officials. This bill would also require the Secretary of State to adopt rules to implement and administer these provisions. The bill defines the period of early voting as the 14 days immediately preceding the election day, but requires that during the week immediately preceding the election, an early voting center must be open not less than four nor more than 6 days.
NOTE: A comparison of HB256 and HB411
There is another early voting bill (HB411) which is posted separately. Here is a comparison of the key differences in the two bills. Both bills require each jurisdiction to have at least one early voting place, HB256 vests authority for managing the early voting in the “governing body of each county” and HB411 in the judge of probate. HB256 provides for early voting during the 14 day period preceding the election day, leaving it to the local governing body to determine the days, but requiring that during the week preceding the election, early voting must be permitted no less than 4 days nor more than 6. HB411 provides for a period of early voting beginning on the 4th Monday of the month preceding and concluding the Friday before election day. There are some differences in the hours for voting. HB256 specifying 9am-5pm Monday through Saturday and 1-5 pm on Sunday. HB411 designating “normal” business hours during the week and 9-4 on Saturday, apparently no Sunday voting, and allowing the judge of probate to extend the hours to suit the needs of the jurisdiction.
League Action and Justification: Support. The League believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed. This bill authorizing early voting removes another barrier, making voting more accessible.
Bill Progress in Legislature
Go here to get more information about the bill and changes in the bill as it progresses through the legislature.
HB256 - Elections, early voting, authorize voting during four to six day period immediately preceding election day[NOTE: See similar bill HB411. A comparison of the two bills is given below.]
Sponsor(s): Jackson, Jones (S), Alexander, Boyd, Gray, 4 Lawrence, Chestnut, Drummond, Forte, Warren, Hatcher, Howard, 5 Bracy, Moore (M), Rogers, Morris, Daniels and Hall
Synopsis and Analysis: Under existing law, voters in Alabama may vote only on election day. This bill would require each county to provide at least one early voting center to be open for a period of 14 days during the week immediately preceding election day, which allows registered voters to vote prior to the official election day. This bill would prescribe the hours of operation for each early voting center. This bill would clarify that this act does not impair or affect the powers and duties of boards of registrars, judges of probate, and other election officials. This bill would also require the Secretary of State to adopt rules to implement and administer these provisions. The bill defines the period of early voting as the 14 days immediately preceding the election day, but requires that during the week immediately preceding the election, an early voting center must be open not less than four nor more than 6 days.
NOTE: A comparison of HB256 and HB411
There is another early voting bill (HB411) which is posted separately. Here is a comparison of the key differences in the two bills. Both bills require each jurisdiction to have at least one early voting place, HB256 vests authority for managing the early voting in the “governing body of each county” and HB411 in the judge of probate. HB256 provides for early voting during the 14 day period preceding the election day, leaving it to the local governing body to determine the days, but requiring that during the week preceding the election, early voting must be permitted no less than 4 days nor more than 6. HB411 provides for a period of early voting beginning on the 4th Monday of the month preceding and concluding the Friday before election day. There are some differences in the hours for voting. HB256 specifying 9am-5pm Monday through Saturday and 1-5 pm on Sunday. HB411 designating “normal” business hours during the week and 9-4 on Saturday, apparently no Sunday voting, and allowing the judge of probate to extend the hours to suit the needs of the jurisdiction.
League Action and Justification: Support. The League believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed. This bill authorizing early voting removes another barrier, making voting more accessible.
Bill Progress in Legislature
Go here to get more information about the bill and changes in the bill as it progresses through the legislature.
| Calendar Date | Body | Amd/Sub | Matter | Committee | Nay | Yea | Abstain | Vote |
| 03/20/2019 | H | Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Constitution, Campaigns and Elections | CC&E | | | | |
NOTE: A public hearing on this bill is scheduled for 9 am on April 17, 2019, House Committee on Constitution, Campaigns & Elections.
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