HB239 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul Beckman

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Voter registration, procedures to maintain voter registration database revised, Sec. 17-4-30 am'd.

Summary

HB239 updates how Alabama keeps the voter registration database current by changing notice procedures and allowing rules to be set by the Secretary of State.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill requires boards of registrars to periodically mail notices to all registered voters and use address-change data to update records. It distinguishes steps for voters who move within the same county versus to a different county, and may remove voters who don’t respond, don’t update, and don’t vote within specified timeframes. It creates and uses a suspense file for nonresponsive or undeliverable cases and lets the Secretary of State adopt rules to implement these changes.

Who It Affects

• Registered voters in Alabama who may receive address verification notices, need to respond or risk removal from the voter list, and may have to update their registration if they move.
• Boards of registrars (county election officials) who will mail notices, update the statewide voter registration database, manage the suspense file, and remove or reinstate voters based on activity and responses.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 17-4-30 to revise county procedures for periodically updating the statewide voter registration database and allows the Secretary of State to adopt implementing rules.
• Boards must mail a nonforwardable notice to each registered voter; if returned, mail a forwardable notice within 90 days and use USPS change-of-address data or other reliable sources to identify address changes.
• If a voter moves within the same jurisdiction, update the address and send a notice; if the move is to a different jurisdiction, send a forwardable notice with a form for address verification and provide voting eligibility information.
• A voter who does not respond or vote within the specified period may have their name removed from the eligible voter list; removal is based on a defined window ending after the second federal election following the notice.
• Inactive/suspense records are kept with specific details, and voters who do not vote in the next two federal elections after being placed in suspense may be removed; names to be published as required by law.
• Voters who vote or update their registration during the period reinstates to active status; the Secretary of State may adopt rules to implement these changes.

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