Bill to criminalize absentee ballot assistance back on the docket
The bill appears to pick up right where it left off in the Senate last session, and seems primed for Republican approval.
election security
Post-election audit bill moves forward
The duty to conduct the audit would fall on canvassing boards in each county.
Etowah County registrars resign after voters given ballots based on outdated districts
Secretary of State John Merrill said legislation is needed to overhaul the registrar position to establish more accountability and prevent issues from occurring again.
Merrill responds to lawsuit seeking to prohibit use of electronic voting machines
The lawsuit was filed by former Republican gubernatorial candidate Lindy Blanchard and State Rep. Tommy Have, R-Scottsboro.
Senate committee advances “Zuckerbucks” bill
Critics said the bill could have a chilling effect on grassroots organizations working with elected officials.
Voting rights groups continue fight against “Zuckerbucks” bill; Allen dismisses concerns
Rep. Wes Allen, R-Troy, said the bill would not prevent private groups from educating voters separate from the government.
Bipartisan NDAA passes the House
Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report on a bipartisan 377 to 48 vote. Alabama Congress members Bradley Byrne, Terri Sewell, Mike Rogers, and Mo Brooks all supported the final version of the NDAA and released statements on passage of the legislation. “This bipartisan bill is a huge … Continued
Sewell votes for bill to try to prevent foreign interference in future elections
Wednesday Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-Selma) voted for H.R. 4617, the SHIELD Act (Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for A Lasting Democracy Act). The legislation is intended to protect against foreign interference in America’s elections, including by foreign governments. “There is nothing more fundamental to the strength of our democracy than the sanctity of our … Continued
Alarms raised over county registrars
In a time when election security is a topic of hot debate, state policymakers need to carefully examine the role of country registrars according to those who work inside the elections apparatus. Alarms raised by those who work in voter registration are not over fears of a broad cyberattack leading to a fraudulent election, but … Continued
Merrill renews commitment to the Alabama Election Fairness Project
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill announced Thursday that the Alabama Election Fairness Project has been renewed in a Memorandum of Understanding between Alabama’s Secretary of State John Merrill, Attorney General Steve Marshall and Secretary of Law Enforcement Hal Taylor. Since the memorandum’s inception in March 2015, the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office has closed … Continued