HB71 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Howard Sanderford

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Elections, voter registration lists, publication by judge of probate on website of co. or Association of Co. Commissioners website, comp., Secs. 17-4-1, 17-4-10, 17-9-5 am'd.

Summary

HB71 shifts publication of voter lists and election notices from newspapers to online county websites (or the Association of County Commissions website if a county lacks a site), with a required display ad informing the public where to find them.

What This Bill Does

The bill eliminates most newspaper publication requirements for voter lists and election notices and requires online posting instead. It keeps the list of voters to be removed published in newspapers and online, and adds a special display ad rule for the first primary after reapportionment. It requires the information to be reviewable at a reasonable cost and available in public buildings, and it limits payment to one list per election. If a county has no website, posting moves to the Association of County Commissions website; notices of elections must still be published or posted 30 days before elections, with a newspaper display ad that includes where to access the information.

Who It Affects

• Voters and residents in Alabama counties, who will access voter lists and election notices online and may request copies for a reasonable cost.
• County election officials (judge of probate and county commissions) and local newspapers, who must publish online, run display ads, manage costs, and coordinate with the Association of County Commissions if no county website exists.

Key Provisions

• Amends sections 17-4-1, 17-4-10, and 17-9-5 to remove most newspaper publication requirements for voter lists and notices; mandates online posting on the county's website (or the Association of County Commissions' website if no county site is maintained).
• The list of voters to be removed remains publishable in newspapers and online; requires the removal list to be posted online and, for the first post-reapportionment period, in all county newspapers with a display advertisement identifying where the information can be obtained.
• Online postings must include a certification from the state voter registration system; allows a 10-day window to add names that were omitted; supplemental lists must be published and made available at no or reasonable cost.
• Display advertisements in county newspapers are required to inform the public where the lists/notices can be found; ad content must include the website address and contact information; ad size requirements vary (half-page or quarter-page depending on context).
• Notice of elections must be published at least 30 days before the election; if no county newspaper exists, notices must be posted on the county or ACCom website and a display ad must be run in a newspaper stating where to access the notice; content limited to the election date and offices or subjects to be voted on.
• Payment for lists is limited to one list per election; the act becomes effective immediately and applies to election cycles beginning after the effective date.

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