MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, who is currently a Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor, has announced a proposal aimed at identifying and combating fraud within Alabama state government.
Allen said he would make fraud detection a priority if elected Lieutenant Governor by working with the Alabama Legislature to establish a task force dedicated solely to identifying fraud involving taxpayer funds.
“We see fraud being uncovered all over the country and it would be naïve to believe that we do not have similar incidents happening here,” Allen said. “As Lt. Governor, I will make identifying the fraud that steals money from Alabama taxpayers a priority by working with the legislature to stand up a task force with fraud identification as a sole focus.”
According to Allen, the proposed task force would bring together professionals from the private sector with expertise in accounting, business operations, finance, and forensic investigations, alongside personnel from state agencies. He said combining private-sector experience with government knowledge could help uncover fraud through new approaches and independent review.
Allen is competing in the Republican runoff election for Lieutenant Governor, which is scheduled for June 16, 2026.
In a separate announcement, Allen reminded Alabama voters of upcoming absentee voting deadlines for the June 16 runoff election.
County absentee election managers must receive mail-in absentee ballot applications by June 9, 2026. Applications submitted in person must be received by June 11, 2026.
Absentee ballots returned in person must be received by the county absentee election manager by the close of business on June 15, 2026. Ballots returned by mail must arrive no later than noon on Election Day, June 16.
Election officials recommend mailing absentee ballot applications and completed absentee ballots at least two weeks before the applicable deadlines to help ensure timely delivery.
Alabama voters are required to present a valid form of photo identification when voting in person or when requesting an absentee ballot.
Additional information regarding absentee voting and absentee ballot applications is available through Alabama’s voter information website.
