MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama’s requirement to have witnesses sign an absentee ballot is not a violation of the Voting Rights Act, the U.S. Department of Justice argued in a brief Monday.
The Justice Department filed the statement of interest in a lawsuit that contends Alabama’s election procedures jeopardize the health of voters – especially older and black voters and those with disabilities – during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Justice Department said Alabama’s absentee witness requirement does not violate the Voting Rights Act. The department did not take a position on any of the plaintiffs’ other claims.
Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division said in a statement that while the act outlaws certain practices that deprive the right to vote because of race and other protected traits, it”does not outlaw all voting-related requirements enacted by the states.”
“Alabama’s witness requirement for absentee ballot envelopes does not violate (the Voting Rights Act) …. it is not a literacy test, it is not an educational requirement, and it is not a moral character requirement,” the Justice Department filing said.