absentee voting
The first general election ballots are going in the mail as the presidential contest nears
While the ballot milestone is relatively quiet and comes in a state that is not a political battleground, it is a sign of how quickly Election Day is approaching after this summer's party conventions and Tuesday's first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump.
Judge limits scope of lawsuit challenging Alabama restrictions on help for absentee ballot applications
Chief U.S. District Judge David Proctor ruled Wednesday that civic groups can pursue just one of their claims: that the law’s ban on gifts or payment for application assistance violates the Voting Rights Act’s assurances that blind, disabled or low-literacy voters can get help from a person of their choice. The judge granted the state’s request to dismiss the other claims raised in the lawsuit.
Alabama, civic groups spar over law restricting assistance with absentee ballot applications
The diverging depictions of the new law were aired during a federal hearing on Alabama’s request to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the statute. U.S. District Judge R. David Proctor did not indicate when he would rule.
Restrictions on absentee ballot help in Alabama are being challenged in a lawsuit
The Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, the League of Women Voters, and other groups are plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed in federal court. They say the statute disenfranchises voters, including senior citizens and disabled voters, who may need assistance in the absentee voting process.
Alabama enacts new restrictions on absentee ballot requests
Alabama has placed new restrictions on assistance with absentee ballot requests, making it illegal to return another person's ballot application and making it a felony to pay someone to distribute or collect applications.
Gambling becomes the first big issue of the legislative session
Alabama lawmakers got their first look at a sweeping lottery and casino bill this week. The governor also released her plan for education savings accounts.
Commission rejects opening courthouse for Saturday absentee voting
Commissioner Sheila Tyson presented the resolution to open the Jefferson County Courthouse for Saturday absentee voting. Others felt the special circumstances of the pandemic had passed.
Jefferson County Commission to look for other absentee voting space after alleged voter suppression
Bessemer Absentee Voting Clerk Karen Dunn Burks last week accused Jefferson County government of voter suppression because of plans to move her office from the courtroom basement to another office also in the basement. She contended the plan created unfair conditions and accommodations for voters and was inhumane.
As Other States Drew Fire For Passing Restrictive Election Laws, Alabama Skirted The Limelight
National attention fell on Georgia for changes to its election laws earlier this year, but Alabama made changes too.
New Report Outlines Voter Suppression In 2020 Election
A new report says Alabama did not do enough during the 2020 election to make voting easier for residents. But the Sec. of State disagrees.
Legislative Wrap-Up: Gambling, Medical Marijuana, No-Excuse Absentee Voting
One of the measures that passed with very little debate in the Alabama Senate this week would authorize the use of medical marijuana. But the measure could face bigger challenges in the House.
Today Is The Deadline To Apply To Vote By Absentee
Today, Thursday, Oct. 29, is the last day to apply for an absentee ballot.
Some Jeffco Absentee Ballots In Jeopardy After Court Rulings
Local election officials say they're doing what they can to ensure every vote counts.
Crowds Turn Out For Saturday Absentee Voting in Jeffco
At 11:30 a.m., a line of several dozen absentee voters extended from a checkpoint in front of the courthouse to the heart of Linn Park. The Alabama Poor People’s Campaign, an advocacy group for low-income people, was among several groups manning tables with absentee ballot applications for voters to fill out before they got in […]
County Commission Votes To Open The Courthouses For Saturday Absentee Voting
The Jefferson County Commission voted unanimously Friday to open the courthouses in Birmingham and Bessemer for in-person absentee voting.
Federal Court Says ID, Witnesses Required For Absentee Voting
To vote absentee you must now provide a photo ID and have the signatures of two witnesses or a notary.
Jefferson County Election Officials Consider Offering Absentee Voting On A Weekend
"The volume of absentee voting that we're seeing is truly unprecedented and we're doing it in the midst of a pandemic," said Jefferson County Probate Judge James Naftel.
Jefferson County Clerk’s Office Redesigns To Handle Throngs Of Voters
It was a working weekend of those in the clerk’s office as they set the stage for what they hope is a more efficient processing of in-person absentee voters.
Secretary of State Intervenes As Frustration Mounts Among Jefferson County Voters
The Alabama Secretary of State's Office created a new plan to help Jefferson County with its long absentee voting lines and understaffing, but specifics of the plan remain unclear.
