Breaking: Federal Judge Blocks Alabama Absentee Voting Law
In a landmark ruling, Chief U.S. District Judge David Proctor has halted a portion of Alabama’s Senate Bill 1 that restricted assistance for disabled, blind, and illiterate voters in casting absentee ballots. The law violated federal protections under Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act, which safeguards voters’ right to seek help in voting.
Proctor emphasized that the law unfairly restricted voters’ choices regarding who could assist them, ultimately disenfranchising vulnerable groups. A coalition of voting rights organizations praised the decision, calling it a crucial step in upholding democracy and ensuring inclusivity.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall plans to appeal the injunction, citing concerns about election security. However, critics argue that the law, aimed at voter suppression, excludes individuals with disabilities who rely on absentee voting.
The ruling serves as a significant victory for advocates of voter rights and accessibility, setting a precedent for fair and equitable voting practices in Alabama.