SB47 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hank Sanders

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Election, voter registration, allowed any day board of registrars has office hours, Sec. 17-3-50 am'd.

Summary

SB47 would let people register to vote on any day a county board of registrars keeps its offices open, including Election Day, instead of banning registration in the 14 days before an election.

What This Bill Does

It changes the current 14-day registration blackout to allow registration on any day the registrar's office is open, including Election Day. It requires registrar offices to be open on business days within the 14-day window and during voting hours on Election Day. It also lets the Secretary of State set rules to implement these changes. Overall, it broadens the window for eligible people to register close to elections.

Who It Affects

• Eligible voters who want to register within 14 days of an election and can do so if the registrar's office is open on those days
• People who recently became eligible and were blocked by the blackout but can register when offices are open
• County boards of registrars and other election officials who must keep offices open and process late registrations
• The Secretary of State, who may issue rules to implement the new registration process

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 17-3-50 to remove the blanket prohibition on registering within 14 days of an election and allow registration on any day the board maintains office hours
• Boards of registrars must maintain open offices on business days within the 14-day period prior to elections and on Election Day during voting hours
• The Secretary of State may adopt rules to implement this section
• Effective date: the first day of the third month following passage and governor's 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

Elections