Judge Dismisses Lawsuit on Alabama Voting Law

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — A federal judge has ruled in favor of Alabama, narrowing the focus of a lawsuit against a new law that criminalizes certain forms of assistance for absentee ballot applications. Chief U.S. District Judge David Proctor allowed civic groups to pursue a single claim, asserting that the law's prohibition on compensating individuals for helping voters violates the Voting Rights Act, which guarantees assistance for blind, disabled, or low-literacy voters. The law, known as Senate Bill 1, imposes severe penalties, including felony charges, for various forms of voter assistance. The American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama and other plaintiffs argue that the law transforms community engagement into a criminal act, potentially prosecuting individuals who provide even minimal support, such as gas money or food, to those seeking assistance with absentee ballots. Proctor acknowledged that the law could unduly restrict voters' choices in selecting helpers, particularly affecting vulnerable populations who may need assistance in navigating the absentee voting process. In a separate legal matter, Circuit Judge James Anderson dismissed a lawsuit regarding the effective date of a new law that expands the list of felonies resulting in the loss of voting rights. The judge confirmed that the law would not be enforced until after the November election, allowing individuals affected by the changes to register and vote. The Campaign Legal Center, which filed the suit, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the importance of ensuring every voice is heard in the democratic process.