MONTGOMERY — Two election integrity bills passed the Alabama Senate unanimously on Tuesday.
Senate Bill 9, sponsored by State Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville), requires any "approved electronic vote counting system" to use paper ballots. Senate Bill 10, also by Chambliss, prohibits the use of electronic voting systems capable of connection to the internet or cell phone networks or that possess modem technology.
Chambliss said in an interview Tuesday afternoon that if the bills are passed into law, the average Alabama voter wouldn't notice any changes when they head to the polls in the future, but "what we're trying to do is be proactive with issues that we've seen happen at other places and just make sure that's not a problem here."
"Anytime you have anything electronic with modem technology, someone can hack into that, whether it's voting machines or any kind of computerized equipment," Chambliss said. "This would prevent modem technology from being in the machines so they could not be hacked in. Also, anytime there is a power disruption or a disruption to a computer voting machine, there would be paper ballots in the bottom of it, so nothing is lost other than a little bit of time to recount those ballots."
Chambliss also said, "No matter which party in the state, we all want safe, honest, and secure elections, and one person gets to vote once and not twice."
In a statement Tuesday, Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen said the bills will "solidify current election practices as parts of statute."
The bills now head to the House for their consideration.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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