SB302 By Senators Smitherman, Figures, Dunn, Coleman-Madison, Beasley and Singleton RFD Constitution, Ethics and Elections Rd 1 25-FEB-16

SYNOPSIS: Under existing law, electors may only vote on election day, with the exception of absentee voting.

This bill would establish an early voting period during which qualified electors may vote, without excuse, at a designated early voting center before election day.

This bill would provide for minimum days and hours of operation for each early voting center.

This bill would authorize judges of probate to manage early voting and authorize appointing boards to appoint poll workers to work at early voting centers.

This bill would also require the Secretary of State to promulgate rules.

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT

Relating to voting; to establish an early voting period during which qualified electors may vote, without excuse, at a designated early voting center before election day; to provide for minimum days and hours of operation for each early voting center; to authorize judges of probate to manage early voting and authorize appointing boards to appoint poll workers to work at early voting centers; and to require the Secretary of State to promulgate rules.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:

Section 1. (a) The Secretary of State, by rule, shall establish a procedure by which a registered voter may cast his or her ballot, without excuse, during an early voting period for an election at an early voting center in the county in which he or she resides, as provided in this section.

(b) This section shall apply to all elections.

(c) The judge of probate in each county shall be responsible for managing early voting. Prior to an election, the judge of probate shall designate and provide at least one early voting center in the county. If a judge of probate designates more than one voting center, the judge of probate shall configure boundaries for each early voting center in the county. All early voting centers in a county shall have the same days and hours of operation.

(d) The judge of probate shall designate the days an early voting center will be open for voting; provided, however, an early voting center shall be open for at least five days during the 14-day period immediately preceding an election, and additionally, for all statewide elections, be open the two Saturdays immediately preceding the election.

(e) The judge of probate shall designate the hours of operation for an early voting center; provided, however, a center shall be open at least 10 hours each day it is open for early voting.

(f) The appointing board responsible for appointing poll workers, as provided in Section 17-8-1, Code of Alabama 1975, shall be responsible for appointing poll workers to work during the early voting period.

(g) Nothing in this section shall impair or affect the powers and duties of boards of registrars, judges of probate, and other election officials under Title 17, Code of Alabama 1975, nor shall it affect the procedures and requirements for voter registration and election day voting.

Section 2. This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.

Voters and Voting

Elections

Secretary of State

Ballots