Alabama Covid Legal Information
We drew these resources principally from Justin Levitt's list of COVID-19 election cases, Standford-MIT Healthy Elections Project COVID-Related Election Litigation Tracker, and the National Center for State Legislatures' COVID-19 and 2020 Primary Elections page.
Litigation Tracker
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People First of Alabama v. Merrill
Topics
Vote by Mail; Curbside Voting
Status
Preliminary Injunction Granted in Part 6/15, Stay Denied 6/25, Stay Granted 7/2
Date Filed
01/05/2020
Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
Description
Challenge to witness requirements for voters, photo ID requirements, and a ban on curbside voting for 2020 election. District Court granted an injunction to not enforce witness requirements, Photo ID requirements, and prohibition on curbside voting for the July 14 election. The 11th Circuit denied the motion to stay.
Links
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League of Women Voters of Alabama v. Merrill
Topics
Vote by Mail; Early Voting
Status
Pending
Date Filed
28/05/2020
Court
Alabama Circuit Court, Montgomery County
Description
Challenge to modify absentee ballot procedures and institute protective voting procedures.
Links
Executive Actions
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Rule 820-2-3-.06-.01ER Absentee Voting During State of Emergency
Topics
Absentee Voting; Excuse Requirements; Emergency
Date Filed
18/03/2020
Description
Alabama’s Secretary of State issued an emergency rule allowing any qualified voter who determines it is impossible or unreasonable to vote at their polling place for the upcoming primary election to vote absentee under the physical illness excuse provision. Voters are still required to submit an application with proper identification.
Links
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Rule 820-2-3-.06-.01ER Absentee Voting During State of Emergency
Topics
Election Postponement
Date Filed
18/03/2020
Description
Alabama postponed its March 31 runoff election until July 14.
Links
Legislative Actions
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AL HB 419
Topics
Election Postponement; Emergency
Description
Pending. Election Emergency Act authorizes the Governor to suspend or delay elections in a declared state of emergency.
Links