AL Sof S Implements New Election Security Measure

Secretary of State Wes Allen Implements New Election Security Measure

Secretary of State – Press Office

Wes Allen, Alabama’s Secretary of State, is announcing the introduction of a security emblem to Alabama ballots in 2026. Alabama is the first state in the nation to work with our Alabama ballot printing vendor to implement the use of security emblems that are invisible to the human eye, and are detectable only with specialized equipment that will be provided to election officials in each county.

“The implementation of this emblem system is taking our state’s election security to the highest level that it has ever been.  My team and I have been working on the development and implementation of this level of ballot protection since my first days in office,” stated Allen.  “Rolling out these ballot measures by the date of the 2026 election cycle was the goal, and I am honored to say it is a goal we have met.”

The security emblems will be officially in use for the 2026 Primary Election and 2026 Primary Runoff Election absentee ballots. Beginning with the 2026 General Election, all ballots in Alabama will include a security emblem. The placement and design of the emblem will be altered each election cycle to ensure ballot security.

“Protecting Alabama’s elections is of the utmost importance to me,”  Allen said.  “I am incredibly proud of the work my team and I have done to lead the nation in election security advancements.”

Wes Allen is Alabama’s 54^th Secretary of State. The Secretary of State is Alabama’s Chief Elections Official. Additionally, Alabama law gives the Secretary of State more than 1,000 different duties. To learn more about the Secretary of State and his responsibilities and duties, visit www.sos.alabama.gov.

The Reporter Monthly has questions regarding this new ballot implementation:

Accountability & Oversight

1. Who independently verifies the effectiveness of these emblems?
   Is there an independent third-party auditor (not connected to the vendor or the Secretary of State’s office) verifying the security system?

2. What happens if the specialized detection equipment fails?
   Will there be backup methods for verifying ballots, or could legitimate votes be rejected due to equipment malfunction?

3. Is there a contingency plan if the vendor experiences a security breach or operational failure?
   How quickly could the state switch vendors or produce secure ballots if needed?

Public Trust & Transparency

4. How will voters be reassured that their ballot is authentic if they can’t see the security emblem?
   Will there be any way for the public to observe or verify the security process?

5. Could this lack of visible security markings fuel distrust or conspiracy theories?
   Given the high level of public skepticism around elections nationally, how will this be addressed?

6. Why was this vendor chosen?
   Was the contract competitively bid? Are there political connections or financial relationships between the vendor and state officials?

Technical Concerns

7. Has this emblem technology been tested at scale?
   Were there pilot programs or real-world trials to ensure it works effectively during high-turnout elections?

8. What is the process for training election officials to use the detection equipment?
   How will the state ensure all 67 counties are properly trained and prepared by 2026?

Accessibility & Fairness

9. Have disability rights groups been consulted?
   Could the emblem system interfere with ballots produced for visually impaired voters or those using assistive devices?

10. Will absentee voters be at greater risk of ballot rejection under this system?
    Historically, absentee ballots face higher rejection rates—could this new technology worsen that disparity?

Cost & Resource Allocation

11. What is the total cost of implementing this system statewide?
    How much is being spent on:

• Printing secure ballots

• Purchasing detection equipment

• Maintenance and repairs

• Training personnel

12. Are these funds coming from taxpayer money, federal grants, or other sources?
    Could this money have been better spent on voter access, poll worker recruitment, or improving voting infrastructure?

Legal and Ethical Concerns

13. Have legal experts reviewed this system for compliance with the Voting Rights Act?
    Are there concerns that this could unintentionally disenfranchise certain voters, particularly in minority or rural communities?

14. Could this system be weaponized to challenge or disqualify ballots selectively?
    What safeguards are in place to prevent partisan abuse of the detection equipment or emblem verification process?

Final Strategic Question

15. Given that Alabama has not reported widespread ballot fraud, what specific threat is this system addressing?
    Is this solution proportionate to the documented risks, or is it a political response to perceived, but unproven, election security concerns?