Alabama proposes law criminalizing some forms of absentee ballot voter aid

Helping those who can't read or write or who have disabilities to obtain, fill out or return a ballot is on par with serious felonies

A bill to criminalize some kinds of absentee ballot voter assistance - creating a felony on par with statutory rape or involuntary manslaughter - sped out of an Alabama state senate committee Wednesday.

The proposed legislation on senate bill 1 initially prohibited people other than close family members or co-habitants from helping any voter request an absentee ballot, filling out that application or ballot or returning that ballot to elections offices. The bill carves out exceptions for people with disabilities and those who cannot read or write. Receiving or giving money for these activities could be prosecuted as Class B or Class C felonies, respectively, under the proposed law.