Last week, a coalition of left-wing groups filed a motion requesting a federal court block a new anti-ballot harvesting law passed by the Alabama Legislature and signed by Gov. Kay Ivey.
If granted, the requested injunction would prevent the state of Alabama from implementing the recently enacted law prior to October 29, the last day to apply for an absentee ballot by mail for the November 2024 general election. A preliminary injunction would ensure the law couldn’t be enforced until the litigation is resolved.
Ballot Harvesting Injunction by Caleb Taylor on Scribd
The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama by the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP (Alabama NAACP), Greater Birmingham Ministries, League of Women Voters of Alabama, and Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program. Plaintiffs are represented by the Campaign Legal Center, Legal Defense Fund, Southern Poverty Law Center, Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama (ACLU-AL).
“SB1 is an outright assault on our basic rights and the democratic process,” Benard Simelton, President of the Alabama NAACP, said in a statement. “Criminalizing individuals for participating in their civic duties destroys the very essence of liberty and freedom, and it strips citizens of their fundamental rights. We are urging the courts to hear our voices, and overturn SB1.”
State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman), one of the bill's sponsors, responded to the lawsuit in April: "Allowing ballot harvesting undermines the security and authenticity of our elections and compromises our trust in the electoral process."
"Without this legislation, out-of-state organizations can freely manipulate our elections by offering payments for absentee ballots and mailing pre-filled ballot applications to voters. The Anti-Ballot Harvesting Bill prioritizes transparent, trackable, and publicly verifiable elections to address voters' concerns," Gudger said.
"Our elections are the foundation of our democratic republic, and nobody should be paid for their absentee application or their ballot. SB1 was crafted with the understanding of the law to preserve our constitutional principles and ensure the people of Alabama manage our elections without interference. I have complete faith in the justice system to uphold the integrity of our elections."
Ivey signed the legislation into law in March.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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