Bill > SB290

This bill revises Alabama's voting rights restoration process, establishes the Alabama Voting Rights Act Commission to combat voting discrimination, and mandates the Secretary of State to create a database on election administration. Specifically, it simplifies the restoration of voting rights for individuals convicted of felonies, automatically restoring their rights if they have completed their sentence, been pardoned, or successfully finished probation or parole, even if court costs or fees remain unpaid, and clarifies that convictions for treason or impeachment will prevent restoration. The bill also expands absentee voting options, allows for extended advance voting periods, and creates the Alabama Voting Rights Act Commission, composed of five commissioners selected through a nominating committee process, to administer the new Alabama Voting Rights Act. This Act prohibits local governments from implementing election regulations that result in disparities for protected classes, such as racial or language minorities, and requires preclearance from the Commission or a court for certain election policy changes in "covered jurisdictions" – those with a history of discrimination or significant underrepresentation of protected classes. Furthermore, the Secretary of State is required to establish a comprehensive statewide database of election administration information to help evaluate and improve election practices, and a Voter Education Fund is created to support voter outreach and education initiatives.

Justice

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