HB217 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mac McCutcheon

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Wayne JohnsonKurt WallaceKerry RichMicky HammonPhil WilliamsHoward SanderfordDuwayne BridgesBarry MaskRandy WoodJim McClendonMike BallMike Jones

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Judge of probate may publish a list of qualified electors in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, Sec. 17-4-1 am'd.

Summary

HB217 makes the publication of the list of qualified electors by the judge of probate optional rather than mandatory.

What This Bill Does

It changes the law so judges of probate may publish the list of qualified electors from the state voter registration list, but are not required to. The list must be an alphabetized record tied to the voter registration list, include a certification that all qualified electors are listed as of the printing date, and allow 10 days to add omitted names with the board able to add them if properly proven. If names are omitted, a supplemental list may be published once before the primary. If the publication happens, it may be published as a preprinted or inserted advertising supplement at the county's option, with cost limits and formatting rules; counties may publish the list in more than one newspaper. The act becomes effective immediately after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Judges of probate: no longer required to publish the list; they may choose to do so.
• Voters/qualified electors: their names may appear on an officially published list if the judge chooses to publish; omissions can be corrected within 10 days and a supplemental list may be published.
• County commissions and newspapers: may publish the list as a newspaper supplement under set cost and format rules, and may publish in more than one newspaper.
• State/County election officials (board of registrars): must process additions within 10 days if proper proof is provided and supply the list certification.

Key Provisions

• Publication of the list becomes optional for the judge of probate, rather than mandatory.
• The list must come from the state voter registration list and include a certification of completeness; a 10-day window is provided to add omitted names.
• If omissions occur, a supplemental list may be published once before the primary.
• Publication may be via a preprinted or inserted advertising supplement at the county's option, with cost limits, format requirements, and the option to publish in more than one newspaper; the act is effective immediately after governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Elections