MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) -- 2,265,090 Alabamians cast their vote in the 2024 election. And now that votes are certified, CBS 42 spoke with officials about what we can do differently in the next election and how to rectify those long lines.
Over three weeks after the election, Secretary of State Wes Allen said the day was a success. When it comes to those long lines, Allen said counties can add more poll workers and check-in stations.
"Election Day doesn't surprise anybody," said Allen. "We know when it is. Every couple of years, we know when election day is coming up. But I don't believe in an election month. I believe in an election day."
But State Rep. Thomas Jackson (D-Thomasville) said those wait times need to change. He's pre-filed a bill for the next legislative session that would bring early voting centers to each county in the state.
"Our seniors need an opportunity to vote three to four days prior to the election," said Jackson. "And that's what this bill does; gives the opportunity for clerks across the state to designate a place."
Jackson said you shouldn't have to stand in line for hours to vote. "And what we're trying to do, and what we've been trying to do is access the ballot. Opportunity for every person eligible to vote, to have that right to do so," he remarked.
State Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover) served as a poll worker in Shelby County on election day. She said the lines are a problem- but there are better solutions that early voting.
"We just don't have enough of those poll pads. And that's where you initially sign in and show your ID," explained DuBose. "Where I was working, we had four poll pads. We could've probably used six. That would've moved people through fifty percent faster."
DuBose said technology could also be used to notify people when wait times are down at polling locations. "Say you're in the middle of a jury trial. And the lawyers are presenting their evidence. Would you be allowed to vote early or to make your decision early in a jury trial before all the evidence is presented? It just doesn't make sense to me," said DuBose.
Allen said Election Day is a team effort. "We'll see what legislative bills come up related to this subject and we'll monitor," said Allen. "But I believe in Election Day."
Allen said probate judges are the chief election officials in each county. He further explained that makes for 67 different elections that go on statewide when the polls open.