SB401 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Bryan TaylorGerald O. DialClay ScofieldDick BrewbakerShadrack McGillGreg J. ReedScott BeasonPaul SanfordTrip PittmanJ.T. WaggonerGerald H. AllenMark Slade Blackwell

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Candidates for public office having a minimum age requirement, required to provide certified copy of birth certificate

Summary

SB401 would require candidates for offices with age requirements to submit a certified birth certificate before their name can appear on the ballot.

What This Bill Does

It requires a certified copy of the candidate's birth certificate showing date and place of birth when qualifying for election to an office with an age requirement. If the candidate does not provide the birth certificate, their name will not appear on the ballot. The party or official collecting qualifying papers must forward the copies to the Secretary of State to verify ballot access, and the Secretary of State will hold them until results are certified or any legal challenges are resolved, after which they are destroyed. The act would take effect immediately after the governor signs it or it becomes law.

Who It Affects

• Candidates for public office that have age requirements, who must provide a certified birth certificate to qualify for ballot access
• Political parties or other officials handling candidate qualification documents and the Secretary of State, who must receive, store, and eventually destroy the birth certificates used to verify ballot access

Key Provisions

• Section 1(a): Any candidate for election to an office with an age requirement must provide a certified copy of their birth certificate, including date and place of birth, when qualifying for election
• Section 1(b): If the birth certificate is not provided, the candidate’s name shall not be placed on the election ballot
• Section 2: The party or official receiving qualifying papers must forward copies of certified birth certificates to the Secretary of State for proof of legal ballot access
• Section 2: The Secretary of State must hold the birth certificates until certification of results or resolution of any legal challenge, after which the copies are destroyed
• Section 3: The act becomes effective immediately following its passage and approval by the Governor

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