SB29 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom ButlerSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

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

Summary

SB29 would overhaul how Alabama updates the statewide voter registration list by establishing a quadrennial address-update process overseen by the Secretary of State with new rulemaking authority.

What This Bill Does

It directs the Secretary of State and boards of registrars to periodically update the statewide voter registration database and allows the Secretary to adopt rules to implement this section. It uses USPS change-of-address data to find voters who may have moved and sends a nonforwardable notice, followed by a forwardable notice if needed, to confirm or update their address. It records these notices in the statewide database and, if a voter does not respond within 90 days or the notice is undeliverable, places the voter on an inactive list in a suspense file. If the voter does not vote or appear in the next two federal elections after being placed in suspense, their name can be removed from the registration list.

Who It Affects

• Registered voters in Alabama may have their addresses updated, be placed on an inactive list, or be removed if they do not respond or vote in subsequent federal elections.
• Boards of Registrars and the Secretary of State who manage mailings, update records, and run the suspense file and removal process.

Key Provisions

• Requires quadrennial address-update mailings (nonforwardable notice, then forwardable notice if needed) starting in 2025 and every four years thereafter.
• Uses USPS National Change of Address data to identify address changes for voters.
• Updates voter records when a move stays within the same board's jurisdiction; sends a forwardable notice to confirm the new address.
• Notifies voters who move to a different board's jurisdiction or out of state with instructions to verify/update registration and information about voting in the new jurisdiction.
• Records dates of notices and returns in the statewide voter registration database.
• Places non-responsive or undeliverable voters on an inactive list and suspense file with required data.
• Removes a voter from the list if they do not vote or appear in the next two federal elections after suspense.
• The Secretary of State may adopt implementing rules and may act as an agent for boards to carry out these provisions.

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