State of Alabama

Alabama Felony Disenfranchisement Challenge

Clarke v. Allen

Lawsuit filed by two voters against Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen (R), Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall (R) and several local officials in Blount and Jefferson Counties challenging the House Bill 100, which adds 120 new types of felonies to the state’s list of felony convictions that disenfranchises voters. The plaintiffs allege that H.B. 100, set to take effect on Oct. 1, 2024, will lead many voters with felony convictions losing their right to vote in the middle of an election as absentee voting in the state begins on Sept. 11. The plaintiffs argue that H.B. 100 violates the state constitution, which blocks the state legislature from passing new laws that may affect an election within six months of Election Day. They ask the court to find H.B. 100 unconstitutional and block the law for the 2024 election.

The plaintiffs filed their lawsuit on July 18, 2024.

On Aug. 7, 2024. Marshall issued guidance that the law would not go into effect until after the 2024 election.

RESULT: On Aug. 21, 2024, this case was dismissed. Alabama’s latest felony disenfranchisement law will not impact voters during the 2024 election.

Case Documents

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