Voting, automatic voter registration, process established
Impact
The bill's automatic registration feature means that eligible individuals who do not opt out during the license transaction will be registered to vote without requiring separate actions. This could considerably increase voter registration rates in Alabama, as individuals are often more likely to register when the process is simplified and less cumbersome. Additionally, the bill mandates that licensing officials forward the voter registration information to the Secretary of State promptly, ensuring effective and timely updates to voter rolls.
Summary
House Bill 406 aims to implement automatic voter registration in Alabama, simplifying the process by allowing individuals to register to vote when they apply for, update, or renew their driver's licenses or nondriver identification cards. This initiative is designed to streamline voter registration efforts and enhance participation by integrating it with existing services provided by state licensing agencies. It stipulates that specific information must be collected during the transaction, including full name, date of birth, residential address, and an attestation of eligibility to vote.
Contention
However, there are potential points of contention regarding the bill. Critics may argue that automatic voter registration could lead to concerns about voter eligibility and the accuracy of registration rolls if adequate checks are not in place. Furthermore, the opt-out provision necessitates that individuals proactively refuse to register, which some argue could complicate the process for those who may not fully understand their options. The balance between facilitating registration and ensuring the integrity of the voting process will likely be a focus of ongoing debate among legislators and stakeholders.
Voting, statewide voter registration database, identifying voter address changes, Electronic Registration Information Center removed as verification database; Secretary of State authorized to update lists using other databases
Voting, absentee voting, disabled, blind, or voters unable to read may designate individual to deliver voter's absentee ballot application and absentee ballot to absentee election manager
Elections; Alabama Voting Rights Act Commission established to prevent discrimination in voting; duties and membership provided; Secretary of State required to establish database on election administration
Elections; Alabama Voting Rights Act Commission established to prevent discrimination in voting; duties and membership provided; Secretary of State required to establish database on election administration
Crimes and offenses, crimes of concealing an illegal alien and human smuggling established, process for determining if a detainee is an illegal alien established
Absentee voting; to allow a disabled voter to designate an individual to deliver the voter's application for an absentee ballot to the absentee election manager; to allow a disabled voter to designate an individual to deliver the voter's absentee ballot to the absentee election manager.
Absentee voting; to allow a voter who is disabled, blind, or unable to read to designate an individual to deliver the voter's application for an absentee ballot and absentee ballot to the absentee election manager
Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)