MONTGOMERY — Governor Kay Ivey signed legislation banning ballot harvesting into law on Wednesday.
The legislation was sponsored by State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) and State Rep. Jamie Kiel (R-Russellville).
"Here in Alabama, we are committed to ensuring our elections are free and fair. I commend Secretary of State Wes Allen, as well as members of the Alabama Legislature for making election security a priority, and I am proud to officially sign Senate Bill 1 into law. Under my watch, there will be no funny business in Alabama elections," Ivey said in a statement.
The legislation prevents ballot harvesters from manipulating Alabama's absentee elections process and threatening the security of Alabama elections by making it illegal to pay or to be paid by a third-party organization to pre-fill and/or collect absentee ballot applications.
Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen said in a statement on Wednesday, "As Secretary of State, ensuring fair, secure, and transparent elections are a top priority. Today, Alabama elections were protected and strengthened. The passage of SB1 is a victory for Alabama elections."
"Free and fair elections are the foundation of our constitutional republic. The passage of SB1 signals to ballot harvesters that Alabama votes are not for sale," he added. "Governor Ivey and the Alabama legislature have made it clear that Alabama voters have the right to cast their own vote without undue influence. I want to commend Senator Garlan Gudger and Representative Jamie Kiel for championing this legislation and for their dedication to protecting the vote of Alabama citizens. I also want to thank Governor Kay Ivey for signing this legislation into law. Additionally, I want to thank Senate Pro-Tem Greg Reed and House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter for their leadership in each of their respective chambers."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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