Alabama Lawmakers Pass Bills Related to Absentee Ballots and DEI Opposition

Alabama lawmakers passed two bills on Tuesday, one outlawing paid assistance with absentee ballot applications and the other restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at universities and state agencies.

The bills, named as priorities for the legislative session by Republicans, were approved by the Senate in party-line votes. The House of Representatives made changes that were agreed upon by the Senate, and the bills now await Gov. Kay Ivey’s signature.

A response from Ivey’s spokeswoman to a request for comment was not immediately available.

The absentee voting bill criminalizes the distribution of pre-filled absentee ballot applications and the giving or receiving of payment or gifts related to absentee ballot applications. Republicans argue the bill is necessary to prevent voter fraud, while Democrats see it as a way to suppress absentee voting.

The second bill would restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs by prohibiting attendance in programs based on race, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, or sexual orientation at universities, K-12 schools, and state agencies.

Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have differing views on the impact of these bills, with some seeing them as voter suppression tactics and efforts to roll back affirmative action and diversity initiatives.

The bills have sparked debates and responses from advocacy groups, with concerns raised about criminalizing charitable acts related to absentee voting assistance and stifling diversity and inclusion efforts.

The legislation would also attempt to regulate restroom use for transgender individuals on college campuses, requiring individuals to use restrooms based on their sex assigned at birth.

The enforcement and impact of these bills remain topics of discussion and concern among lawmakers and advocates.