Under existing law, individuals convicted of a crime of moral turpitude lose their voting rights and must apply to have their rights restored upon meeting certain criteria once their sentence has ended. This bill would provide for automatic restoration of voting rights in certain circumstances. Under existing law, an elector may only vote by absentee ballot if he or she meets certain qualifications. This bill would eliminate the qualifications that allow for absentee voting. This bill would further specify the process for voting by absentee ballot. This bill would establish the Alabama Voting Rights Act and the Alabama Voting Rights Commission and would provide for its membership. This bill would require the Alabama Voting Rights Commission to review certain actions that occur within the state that could potentially discriminate against protected classes of voters. This bill would require the commission to preclear certain official actions relating to elections. This bill would also require the Secretary of State to maintain a statewide database to assist in the administration of elections and to publicize certain information relating to voting.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 15-22-36, 17-3-31, 17-3-50, 17-11-3, 17-11-4, 17-11-5, 17-11-9, 17-11-10