Federal Judge Blocks Key Part of Alabama Absentee Ballot Law

The ruling halts restrictions on assistance for blind, disabled, and illiterate voters, citing violations of the Voting Rights Act.

Chief U.S. District Judge David Proctor issued a preliminary injunction against a portion of Alabama's new absentee ballot law.
The blocked provision prohibited gifts and payments for helping with absentee ballot applications, affecting blind, disabled, and illiterate voters.
The judge determined that the law unduly burdened the rights of voters who need assistance, violating Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act.
The rest of Senate Bill 1, which imposes various restrictions on absentee ballot assistance, remains in effect.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall's office has filed an appeal against the ruling, arguing it undermines election security.