Press Article: Absentee Ballot Rejection Rates Reveal Disparities Across Alabama Counties
A recent survey conducted by the League of Women Voters spotlighted stark disparities in absentee ballot rejection rates among 11 counties in Alabama. The survey found that nearly 2,200 ballots, representing about 3.6% of all absentee votes cast, were rejected on Election Day last year. While Madison County, home to Huntsville, reported a rejection rate of only 1%, Mobile County’s rate shot up to a staggering 8%.
Kathy Jones, president of the League of Women Voters of Alabama, remarked, “This data highlights systemic flaws in our electoral processes.” The survey, which excluded most counties, makes it challenging to generalize findings across the state. Alabama’s law grants county boards significant discretion in managing absentee ballot policies; this lack of uniformity can lead to unequal treatment of absentee ballots.
Notably, Alabama is one of just 17 states that does not allow voters to correct errors on their ballots ahead of Election Day. As a result, mistakes can lead to ballots being discarded, creating barriers to participation. Proposed legislation aimed at enabling voters to "cure" defective ballots did not progress through the legislative committee this year.
In interviews, absentee election managers shared that ballot acceptance is largely a procedural task for poll workers, who follow strict guidelines but often lack the ability to verify voter identity effectively. Experts argue that implementing a ballot curing process, as seen in states like Arizona and California, would significantly reduce rejection rates and enhance electoral participation, especially among younger voters.
Despite efforts from lawmakers to introduce bills aimed at improving voter access, significant hurdles remain. Advocates emphasize the urgent need for policy reforms to ensure every vote counts in Alabama.
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