Alabama Senate Bill SB21

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/23
• Refer: 2/27/23

Caption

Relating to voting rights; to amend Sections 15-22-36.1, 17-3-31, and 17-4-3, Code of Alabama 1975; to eliminate the application requirement and the Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote; to require the Board of Pardons and Paroles to determine whether an individual may have his or her right to vote restored if the individual has lost his or her right to vote by reason of conviction in a state or federal court and has been pardoned or released from incarceration or period of probation or parole; to allow an indigent individual to have his or her right to vote restored if he or she has paid all fines and restitution and is in compliance with an approved payment plan for the payment of court costs and fees or an approved community service plan to offset the payment of court costs and fees; to remove impeachment from the list of offenses that prohibit an individual from having his or her right to vote restored to make consistent with existing law; and to add Section 17-3-31.1 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to require notification to the individual that his or her right to vote has been restored.

Impact

The implications of SB21 are expected to be substantial for both individuals who have been incarcerated and the broader democratic process within the state. By removing the application requirement, the bill streamlines the path to restoring voting rights, which could lead to increased voter registration and participation among those previously disenfranchised. Additionally, the bill allows individuals who are indigent to restore their voting rights if they have complied with a payment plan for court costs or have completed community service, which provides a means for economically disadvantaged individuals to recover their voting rights.

Summary

Senate Bill 21 (SB21) proposes significant reforms to the laws governing the restoration of voting rights for individuals who have lost their right to vote due to criminal convictions. The bill aims to eliminate the previous requirement to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote. Instead, it mandates the Board of Pardons and Paroles to make determinations on whether an individual's voting rights can be restored if they have been pardoned or released from incarceration, parole, or probation. This reform simplifies the process for individuals seeking to regain their voting rights and addresses barriers that have historically made it difficult for people with criminal backgrounds to participate in the electoral process.

Contention

Despite its progressive intentions, SB21 also presents points of contention. Critics might argue about the implications of removing the Certificate of Eligibility requirement, particularly concerning accountability and the conditions under which someone's voting rights should be restored. There may also be concerns regarding the impact of the community service program on sufficient measures to ensure that individuals genuinely meet the obligations necessary for voter restoration. Overall, the bill has the potential to foster inclusivity in the voting process while raising questions about the balance between accessibility and the integrity of the electoral system.