HB314 Alabama 2021 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Rod Scott
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2021
Title: Boards of Registrars, process for updating voter registration lists revised, publication reimbursement rate to counties revised, Secs. 17-4-30, 17-4-31 am'd.
Summary: HB314 updates how Alabama keeps voter registration lists current by changing notice processes, address updates, and how counties are reimbursed for related costs, with rules to be set by the Secretary of State.
What This Bill Does
It changes the process for identifying voters' current addresses by mailing nonforwardable notices and, if needed, forwardable notices that use USPS change-of-address data and other voter databases. It sets separate procedures for voters who move within the same county versus to a different county or out of state, including updating addresses and sending notices with return cards and instructions on voting and registration. It creates an inactive/suspense status for voters who do not respond or whose mail is undeliverable, and it allows removal from the voter list if the voter does not vote in the next two federal elections after being placed in suspense, with removals published as required. It authorizes the Secretary of State to adopt implementing rules and provides state reimbursements to counties for postage and a portion of publication costs related to these activities.

Who It Affects
Registered voters in Alabama: their address information may be updated, they may be moved to inactive status, and some could be removed from the voter rolls if they do not respond or vote in required elections.
County commissions and boards of registrars (and the Secretary of State): they will conduct mailings, update the statewide voter registration database, manage the suspense file, publish removals, and receive reimbursements for postage and part of publication costs.

Key Provisions
Section 17-4-30: requires periodic notices to voters, uses USPS and other databases to find address changes, and distinguishes actions based on whether moves stay within the same jurisdiction or move to a different jurisdiction/out of state.
Section 17-4-30: mandates forwardable notices with return cards and outlines deadlines and consequences for not updating or voting.
Section 17-4-30: requires recording mailing and return dates in the statewide voter registration database and updating county lists accordingly.
Section 17-4-30: creates an inactive/suspense file containing name, last address, partial ID, and date placed for voters who do not respond or are unreachable.
Section 17-4-30: sets removal from the voter list after two federal elections if the voter does not participate, and requires publication of removals under Section 17-4-10.
Section 17-4-31: provides state reimbursement to counties for postage and some publication costs, funded from the Election Expenses Account and subject to SOS 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: Board of Registrars