SB235 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bryan Taylor

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Bill HoltzclawClay ScofieldArthur Orr

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Voter registration, deadline of 14 days before an election set, exception for counties 600,000 or more deleted, printing of voter list provided for, Sec. 17-3-50, 17-4-2 am'd.

Summary

SB235 would extend the voter registration blackout to 14 days before elections, require printed voter lists to be produced within that window, and preserve large counties' existing local deadlines.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits registering new voters within 14 days before any election, while keeping election offices open during that period. After registration closes, the judge of probate must print a state voter list report by precincts (and relevant subdivisions) within the 14-day window and provide copies to polling locations, with an electronic list option available under rules. Large counties (population 600,000 or more) are exempt from this provision and may continue with their local deadlines; printed lists must include a certification of accuracy, and newspaper poll lists cannot be used as official poll lists.

Who It Affects

• Voters in counties with fewer than 600,000 residents: cannot register in the 14 days before an election, affecting when they can add their names to the voter rolls.
• Election officials (boards of registrars and the judge of probate): must implement the 14-day blackout, print and distribute voter lists, maintain open offices, and keep records available for public inspection.
• Counties with 600,000+ residents: are exempt from the 14-day rule and may keep their current local deadlines for voter registration.
• The general public and polling places: will have access to the printed (or electronic) voter lists and the official certified lists for accuracy and cross-checking at polling sites.

Key Provisions

• Amends 17-3-50 to prohibit voter registration within 14 days prior to elections (instead of 10 days) and requires offices to remain open during that period and on election day.
• Amends 17-4-2 to require the judge of probate to print a state voter registration list report within the 14-day window after registration closes, organized by precincts and subdivisions, with an electronic archive updated concurrently and lists delivered to precinct inspectors.
• Printed lists must include a certification that the contents are true and correct as of print time; the newspaper poll list cannot be used as the official poll list; and electronic access may be used in lieu of a printed list under Secretary of State rules.
• Large counties (population 600,000+) are exempt from these provisions and retain their existing local deadlines; the act becomes effective the first day of the third month after passage and is implemented beginning with the November 2014 general election.

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