HB517 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rod Scott

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Voter registration list, notice provided to all persons whose names are purged from list, Sec. 17-4-3 am'd.

Summary

HB517 would require county election officials to notify voters before purging them from the statewide registration list, with special notice rules for those convicted of disqualifying crimes and for voters who move within the county, plus an appeals process.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill would amend how purges are done by requiring notice to most purged voters (except the deceased) and by specifying notice methods. Voters convicted of disqualifying crimes would must be notified by certified mail, and purging could not occur while an appeal is pending. The board would review the case on the date set in the notice and, if purging proceeds, the affected voter could appeal to probate court with a defined path for appeals. If a voter permanently moves within the county, their precinct would be updated and they would be notified by mail.

Who It Affects

• Voters who are about to be purged from the statewide voter registration list (except those who have died).
• Voters who have been convicted of disqualifying crimes (notified by certified mail and protected from purge while an appeal is pending).
• Voters who have permanently moved within a county (precinct designation updated and notice sent).
• County boards of registrars (must implement the notice, purge, and update procedures).
• Judge of probate (receives certified purge proceedings if a purge occurs and handles appeals).

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 17-4-3 to require purge of the statewide voter registration list when death, nonresident status, mental incompetence, disqualifying offense conviction, or other disqualification is confirmed.
• Requires notice to all voters being purged, except those who have died (death requires no purge notice if certified). Notices are by mail to the last known address; convicted violators must be notified by certified mail.
• Prohibits purging a voter convicted of a disqualifying crime while an appeal is pending.
• On the date specified in the notice (or a later date if continued), the board must consider and decide the case; the voter may appeal the board’s decision without posting security for costs, with the proceedings certified to the probate judge.
• Appeals from the probate judge follow the process in 17-3-55.
• If the board has evidence that an elector has permanently moved within the county, it shall update the precinct designation and notify the elector by mail.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and 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

Voters and Voting