SPLC Action Fund, Voting Rights Coalition and Lawmakers Announce Filing of HB 60 in Alabama
HB 60 and SB 7, filed in August, will safeguard the right to vote for all Alabamians
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Today, the SPLC Action Fund and partners of the Alabama Voting Rights Coalition announced the filing of HB 60, an omnibus bill to protect democracy and ensure equal access to voting for all Alabamians.
The landmark legislation is sponsored by Representative Adline Clarke, D-Mobile, including the support of the House Democratic Caucus; United for a Fair Economy; League of Women Voters of Alabama; Campaign Legal Center; Alabama Arise; ACLU of Alabama; Faith in Action Alabama; Alabama Values Progress; and Return My Vote. HB 60 follows a companion bill in the Senate, SB 7, which was filed in August by Senator Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, and supported by the entire Senate Democratic Caucus.
“The freedom to vote is the most sacred right we have in America — a right that Alabama rallied the nation to expand and protect through the Voting Rights Act nearly 60 years ago,” said Jerome Dees, Alabama Policy Director, SPLC Action Fund. “Alabama has the opportunity, once again, to safeguard voting rights through legislation that guarantees every voice is heard and every vote is counted. We encourage all Alabamians to rally behind HB 60 and SB 7 — and make history again.”
The Alabama Voting Rights Act, through HB 60 and SB 7, will position the state as a leader in defending democracy by ensuring all eligible voters have access to fair and safe election processes, without undue and unnecessary barriers.
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Set-up preclearance protections for election-related changes at the state and local level
- Provide for same-day voter registration and no excuse absentee voting
- Streamline the process for voting rights restoration
- Establish an Alabama Voting Rights Commission to provide non-partisan oversight of changes in election procedures
- Create a state-wide database for assisting in the administration of elections and to publicize certain information relating to voting.
Read Alabama HB 60 text here.
