SB280 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Ben H. BrooksTrip PittmanRusty GloverHenry Eugene “Hank” Erwin Jr.Arthur OrrLarry Dixon

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Elections, photo identification required, Public Safety Department required to issue identification cards to persons without photo identification, Sec. 17-9-30 am'd.

Summary

SB280 would require voters to show proof of photo identification or an approved alternative to vote, and would require the Department of Public Safety to issue free photo ID cards to individuals who lack valid ID.

What This Bill Does

It would require proof of a valid photo ID for in-person voting, with limited exceptions. It expands what counts as valid ID and requires the DPS to issue free nondriver IDs to those without a valid ID. Absentee ballots would require a copy of an ID, and voters can obtain a free photocopy of their ID for absentee voting; there are special provisions for nursing home voters, religious objectors, and identification by election officials if ID is missing. The act also clarifies it must comply with federal law and directs DPS to implement rules, with an effective date after passage.

Who It Affects

• In-person voters in Alabama (including voters at state-licensed facilities like nursing homes) — they must present valid photo ID or an approved alternative before voting; limited exceptions allow non-photo forms or identification by two election officials, and provisions for provisional ballots or religious objections.
• Absentee voters and individuals without readily available ID — they must submit a copy of ID with their ballot; they may obtain a free photocopy of their ID for absentee voting; DPS will issue free nondriver ID cards to eligible individuals; a broad list of acceptable non-photo documents is allowed.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 17-9-30 to require proof of valid photo identification for voting with limited exceptions.
• Expands valid ID to include photo IDs and other documents showing name and address (as listed), issued by government, employers, colleges, or other entities within the state.
• Absentee ballots must include a copy of an approved form of ID; voters may obtain one free photocopy of their ID before absentee voting.
• Certain federally protected voters (e.g., under UOCAVA) are not required to produce ID prior to voting.
• Voters at state-licensed facilities may vote without a photo ID but must present an approved form of ID from the list before voting.
• If a voter does not have ID at the polls, two election officials can positively identify the voter on the poll list to allow voting, or the voter may use a provisional ballot.
• DPS shall not charge a fee for issuing nondriver ID cards to individuals without a valid ID who are at least 18 by the next election.
• DPS must promulgate rules to implement the act and ensure compliance with the federal Voting Rights Act.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Elections