HB314 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Prince ChestnutRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Voting, automatic voter registration, process established

Summary

HB314 would automatically register voters when people apply for or update a driver's license or nondriver ID, with rules for how the information is collected and shared.

What This Bill Does

The bill requires license offices to collect certain information from applicants during driver's license or nondriver ID transactions and to allow an opt out from automatic voter registration. If the applicant does not opt out, the information is sent to the Secretary of State and then to the county board of registrars to process a new registration or update. If the applicant opts out, only limited information is sent with a note of opt out. The change also updates voter registration when a change of address is submitted through the license process and creates confidentiality protections for the information.

Who It Affects

• Residents applying for or updating a driver's license or nondriver ID would be automatically registered to vote unless they opt out.
• State and local officials who issue licenses and handle registration data, including the Secretary of State and county boards of registrars, would collect, transmit, and process voter registration information.

Key Provisions

• Automatic voter registration occurs during driver's license or nondriver ID transactions unless the applicant opts out.
• Information collected from applicants includes name, date of birth, address, signature, phone, last four digits of the SSN, driver's license number if available, a citizenship eligibility attestation, opt out status, and any additional data allowed by rule.
• If not opting out, the license issuing official forwards the information to the Secretary of State, who forwards to the county board of registrars to register or update the voter.
• If opting out, the license issuing official transmits minimal identifying data with an opt out notation.
• A change of address submitted through the license process serves as a voter registration change of address.
• Completed voter registration or change of address forms must be forwarded to the Secretary of State within five days, who then forwards signed forms to the appropriate county board within five days.
• Unsigned voter registration forms are kept by the Secretary of State for at least four years.
• Information collected is not a public record and confidentiality procedures will be established by the Secretary of State.
• The act does not require or authorize agencies to determine voter eligibility.
• The Secretary of State and Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency may adopt rules to implement these provisions.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Voter Registration