MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Wednesday signed House Bill 285 into law, solidifying the state's ban on curbside voting.
“Since taking office, we have always prioritized securing the chain of ballot custody. By keeping the ballot in the hands of the voter, we ensure each vote is counted accurately, honestly, and independently from any poll worker or third party,” stated Secretary of State John H. Merrill. “We are especially grateful to our sponsors Representative Wes Allen (R-Troy) and Senator Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook), as well as the rest of the Alabama Legislature, for their dedication to securing our elections and protecting the right of Alabamians to cast a secret ballot.”
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According to the Governor's Office, handicap-accessible voting machines will still be made available at all polling places and absentee offices as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Additionally, the State says that voters with qualifying disabilities may also apply for an absentee ballot.
This bill comes after a unique 2020 election in which the nation saw a drastic increase in the number of absentee voters due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Madison County, there was a more than 300% increase in absentee ballot requests compared to 2016.
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