Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday signed Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Sen. Garlan Gudger and Rep. Jamie Kiel, which will strengthen the fairness and integrity of Alabama elections. Upon signing the bill banning ballot harvesting, the governor issued the following statement: “Here in Alabama, we are
“This bill makes it illegal to pay or receive payment to assist voters in completing an absentee ballot application, known commonly as ballot harvesting. This bill would prevent absentee ballot brokers and third parties from manipulating the absentee ballot process and from intimidating or
Rep. Jamie Kiel, R-Russellville, had sponsored a similar bill in 2023, though it ultimately never made its way to Ivey’s desk. On Thursday, Kiel argued on behalf of Gudger’s version of the bill, and said that the intent of the legislation was “to keep people from profiting from the election
“This bill would prevent absentee ballot brokers and third parties from manipulating the absentee voting process and intimidating or confusing absentee voters. This bill does not change voter outreach efforts in the state,” said Rep. Jamie Kiel, R-Russellville, who carried the bill in the House
MONTGOMERY — The contentious bill restricting ballot harvesting in Alabama cleared the Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday. The Senate passed the bill last month. Since the House committee amended it, the Senate must now concur with the changes before it can go to Gov. Kay Ivey for her