SB304 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom ButlerSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Boards of Registrars, process for updating voter registration lists revised, Sec. 17-4-30 am'd.

Summary

The bill updates how Alabama keeps the voter registration list current by using address-change data and new rules for updating records.

What This Bill Does

It changes the process for periodically updating the statewide voter registration database and allows the Secretary of State to adopt implementing rules. It requires mailing address-confirmation notices to voters, uses USPS National Change of Address data to spot moved voters, and then sends follow-up notices to verify or correct addresses. If voters don’t respond or notices are undeliverable, their names can be moved to an inactive list and eventually removed if they don’t vote in the next two federal elections after being suspended; removals are published as required by law.

Who It Affects

• Registered voters in Alabama, who may be contacted for address verification, moved to inactive status, or removed from the voter list if they do not respond or vote in required elections.
• Boards of registrars and the Secretary of State, who must implement the updated procedures, use USPS address-change data, send notices, maintain records, and publish removals.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 17-4-30 to revise how the statewide voter registration database is updated and authorizes the Secretary of State to adopt implementing rules.
• Requires nonforwardable notices to be mailed to the last known address, with forwardable notices sent within 90 days if the nonforwardable notice is returned, using USPS address-change data to identify moves.
• Defines actions based on address changes (within same jurisdiction, different jurisdiction, or outside the state) with 90-day deadlines to notify and verify the new address.
• Informs voters about required actions (returning the card or updating registration) and the voting window; if no action occurs, the voter can be removed after the period ending the second general federal election following the notice.
• Requires recording dates of notices and responses in the statewide database and maintaining a suspense file with voter details.
• Requires publication of removals and allows the Secretary of State to adopt rules to implement the section; the Secretary of State may act as an agent for boards of registrars; the act becomes effective after a defined waiting period following governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Board of Registrars