SB81 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Quinton Ross

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Voter identification, voting procedures, affidavit in lieu of photo identification, Secs. 17-9-30, 17-10-2 am'd.

Summary

SB81 would let voters sign an affidavit at the polling place instead of showing photo ID and would create a no-cost Alabama Photo Voter Identification Card, along with expanded provisional voting rules.

What This Bill Does

Currently, voters must show valid photo ID to vote in person. SB81 would allow a qualified elector who lacks valid photo ID to sign an affidavit at the polling place affirming their identity and vote, using provisional ballots if needed. It preserves the existing list of acceptable photo IDs but creates a new Alabama Photo Voter Identification Card, issued by the Secretary of State at no cost and valid only for voting. It also strengthens provisional ballot procedures and provides a way for voters to learn whether their provisional ballots were counted, including deadlines for supplying ID information after the election.

Who It Affects

• Voters who do not have valid photo identification (they can use an affidavit at the polling place or obtain a no-cost Alabama Photo Voter Identification Card for voting).
• Election officials and state/local election offices (Secretary of State, boards of registrars, judges of probate, sheriffs, absentee election managers) who must implement the affidavit option, issue and manage the photo voter ID card, and administer provisional ballots and related records.

Key Provisions

• Allows a qualified elector to sign an affidavit affirming identity at the polling place in lieu of presenting valid photo identification.
• Maintains the current forms of valid photo identification but accommodates voting by affidavit or two election officials' sworn identification when ID is not available.
• Creates the Alabama Photo Voter Identification Card, issued by the Secretary of State at no cost, valid only for voting purposes, and requiring data such as name, address, date of birth, and a photograph; card is laminated and commercially secure.
• Requires absentee ballots to be accompanied by a copy of an ID form listed in the approved IDs, unless federal law provides an exemption for certain voters.
• Establishes a detailed provisional ballot process for cases where ID is not provided or identity is challenged, including signed affirmations, reidentification forms, and post-election certification and verification of whether the provisional ballot was counted.
• Gives the Secretary of State rulemaking authority and requires public information to explain ID requirements; no fee for the Alabama Photo Voter Identification Card; the card’s use is limited to voting purposes.

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