SB277 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg AlbrittonSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Voter identification, exemption for religious objection, created, Sec. 17-9-30 am'd.

Summary

The bill would let voters with a religious objection to being photographed vote without photo ID if they sign an affidavit of identity.

What This Bill Does

It adds an exemption to the photo ID requirement for in-person voting for voters who object to being photographed and who sign a perjury affidavit of identity. It keeps the existing photo ID requirements for all other voters and still requires a copy of ID for absentee ballots. It also provides for a free Alabama photo voter identification card issued by the Secretary of State for voting purposes and outlines how the card is used and maintained.

Who It Affects

• Voters who have a religious objection to being photographed: would not have to show photo ID at the polls if they sign the affidavit of identity.
• All other registered Alabama voters: would continue to need valid photo identification to vote in person, and absentee ballots would still require a copy of ID.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 17-9-30 to exempt electors with a religious objection to being photographed from needing to produce ID before voting, upon execution of an affidavit of identity.
• Maintains the list of acceptable forms of photo identification for all other voters (e.g., driver’s license, state ID, US passport, certain IDs with photos).
• Absentee ballots require a copy of one of the listed forms of identification with the ballot.
• Allows the Secretary of State to issue a free Alabama photo voter identification card for voting purposes, with specific content and validity rules, and requires procedures for issuance and surrender if address or voting qualification changes.

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