SB161 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Linda Coleman-MadisonSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Voter registration, automatic, authorized

Summary

SB161 would automatically register eligible Alabama residents to vote when they apply for or renew a driver's license or nondriver ID, and automatically update registrations when they move.

What This Bill Does

It creates an automatic voter registration program using electronic records from license issuance and renewal. If the person is eligible to vote and not already registered, their information is sent to the county board of registrars to complete registration, except not during the 14 days before an election. If a person changes their address on their license, the new address is sent to the appropriate board and a new certificate of registration can be issued. Notices about automatic registration would be posted at every place licenses are issued or renewed.

Who It Affects

• Group 1: Qualified Alabama residents who apply for or renew a driver's license or nondriver identification card will be automatically registered to vote if they meet eligibility.
• Group 2: Voters who change their address on their driver's license will have their voter registration address automatically updated.

Key Provisions

• Establish automatic voter registration using electronic records from driver's license and nondriver identification issuance/renewal, including name, age, residence, citizenship, and electronic signature, with notices at all license locations.
• The electronic record and signature count as a completed registration application; if the person is eligible to vote and not already registered, the county board of registrars registers them and issues a certificate, but no registration within 14 days before an election.
• If an elector changes address on license renewal, the new address is sent to the appropriate board of registrars and a new certificate of registration may be issued.
• The act does not remove the authority to determine voter qualification or to maintain/update registration lists; it supplements the process. Effective date: first day of the third month after passage/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

Voter Registration