BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Lawmakers are taking action after voters saw hours-long wait times at the polls on Tuesday. Both Republicans and Democrats tell me that something needs to change.
Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile) said they've tried several times before to bring early voting to the state. She said one day at the polls isn't enough for voters.
"Many people want to exercise their ability at the ballot box," said Drummond. "It is working throughout this country. We see no reason why it cannot work in the state of Alabama."
Secretary of State Wes Allen doesn't believe in early voting. "I'm on the record, I believe in election day. Not election month. And if that comes up in the legislative session, I'm sure I'll be part of that conversation," remarked Allen.
And Sen. Keith Kelley (R-Anniston) said something needs to change about those long lines, but not without election security. "Those issues- you've gotta be very careful when you try to fix 'em. So you maintain the voter integrity and security of those," said Kelley. "So it doesn't allow for any manipulation."
Rep. Curtis Travis (D-Tuscaloosa) said not having early voting makes it hard on people getting to and from work. "We should be encouraging voter participation," said Travis. "Where people are going to the polls to vote rather than be in a situation where we are trying to keep people from voting."
State Rep. Thomas Jackson (D-Thomasville) pre-filed legislation today that would establish an early voting center in each county before election day.
The bill will go before lawmakers during the 2025 legislative session, which starts in February.