HB531 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Dexter Grimsley

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Voting, automatic voter registration, process established

Summary

HB531 would automatically register eligible Alabama residents to vote when they obtain, update, or renew a driver’s license or nondriver ID, unless they opt out.

What This Bill Does

During a driver's license or nondriver ID transaction, officials would collect voter registration information from the applicant and ask whether the person wants to register. If they do not opt out, the information is forwarded to the Secretary of State and then to the county board of registrars to register or update the voter's registration. If the applicant opts out, a limited set of identifying information is sent with a note of opt-out; address changes from license updates also update voter registration. The Secretary of State and the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency can adopt rules to implement this process.

Who It Affects

• Individuals applying for or renewing a driver's license or nondriver ID, who would be automatically registered or have their registration updated unless they opt out, and who must consent by signature.
• State and local agencies and election officials (ALEA, Secretary of State, judges of probate, license commissioners, boards of registrars) who administer and implement the automatic registration, process data, forward information, and handle rulemaking.

Key Provisions

• Automatic voter registration is triggered during the issuance, renewal, or update of a driver's license or nondriver identification card.
• The applicant's information (name, date of birth, address, signature, last four digits of SSN, etc.) and an eligibility attestation are collected, with an opt-out option to decline 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 register or update the voter's registration; if the applicant opts out, a limited set of identifying information is sent and a record of the opt-out is kept.
• An address change or update through the license transaction also updates the voter's registration; unsigned forms are handled and kept under retention rules.
• Information obtained is confidential and not a public record; SOS and ALEA may adopt rules to implement the section; the act does not require officials to determine voter eligibility.
• The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage.

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