A coalition of activist groups in Alabama has filed a lawsuit to challenge a new law that places restrictions on payment for handling ballots. The law, known as SB1, prohibits paying or receiving payment for distributing or collecting ballot applications.
The activists argue that this ban on payment could hinder the voting capacity of disabled and elderly individuals who need assistance obtaining necessary documents. The lawsuit was filed by the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program, Greater Birmingham Ministries, and the League of Women Voters of Alabama.
Alabama NAACP President Benard Simelton expressed concerns that SB1 violates the law, restricts Constitutional Amendment rights, and limits freedom of speech. He believes that the law marginalizes voters' access to the ballot box.
SB1 was approved by the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey. The law criminalizes paying for services related to collecting, completing, or distributing absentee ballot applications. It also prohibits returning another voter's ballot application or prefilling voter applications before distribution.
Governor Ivey emphasized the importance of ensuring free and fair elections in Alabama and stated her commitment to preventing any misconduct in elections. Republicans in the Alabama Legislature pushed for the law, citing concerns about voter fraud through 'ballot harvesting,' while Democrats argued that there is no evidence of such fraud and viewed the law as an attempt to suppress absentee voting.
Despite the restrictions, the law includes an exemption allowing voters who need assistance due to blindness, disability, or inability to read or write to receive help from a chosen individual.
