HB233 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Mike Holmes
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Voter registration, procedures to maintain voter registration database revised, Sec. 17-4-30 am'd.
Summary: HB 233 updates how Alabama keeps the voter registration database accurate by requiring periodic address verification mailings and giving the Secretary of State authority to set implementing rules.
What This Bill Does
The bill requires boards of registrars to mail periodic nonforwardable notices to all registered voters, with forwardable notices if the initial notice is returned. It uses change-of-address data from USPS and other sources to identify voters whose addresses may have changed and to update the statewide database. Depending on whether a voter moved within the same jurisdiction or to a different one, the bill prescribes different actions, including updating addresses, sending verification or update notices, allowing provisional ballots, or removing voters from the active list if they don’t respond or vote within set timeframes. It creates a suspense file with details if notices are undeliverable, and it outlines reinstatement if a voter votes or updates their registration, or removal if there is no activity, with removals published as required. The Secretary of State is authorized to adopt rules to implement these procedures in line with federal election laws.

Who It Affects
Registered voters in Alabama, who will receive periodic notices, may have their addresses updated or their names moved to inactive or suspense lists, may be able to vote with provisional ballots under certain conditions, and could be removed from the voter rolls if they do not respond or vote within specified periods.
Boards of Registrars and the Secretary of State, who will manage sending notices, updating the statewide voter registration database, recording notice dates, and issuing implementing rules.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 17-4-30 to revise procedures for periodic updates to the statewide voter registration database and authorizes the Secretary of State to adopt rules to implement the section.
Requires boards of registrars to mail a nonforwardable notice to all registered voters and, if returned, a forwardable notice within 90 days, using USPS and other sources to identify address changes.
If a voter moves within the same jurisdiction, update the address and send a change notice and verification form; if the move is to a different jurisdiction, send a notice with a return card and explain required actions.
If there is no response or vote during the specified period, place the voter's name on an inactive list or suspense file and eventually remove the voter if there is no activity in the next two federal elections.
Allows provisional ballots for voters who move and vote at a new polling place, with eventual verification and eligibility checks before counting.
Requires recording dates of mailed notices and responses in the statewide database and updating records accordingly.
Suspension file must include the voter's name, last address, last four digits of SSN or PIN, and the date placed in suspense; removals must be published as required by law.
Secretary of State may adopt implementing rules consistent with federal election laws.

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