AL SB178

Eliminates the application requirement and Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote process; instead requires the Board of Pardons and Paroles to automatically restore voting rights when individuals meet eligibility criteria.

Establishes four criteria for voting rights restoration: no disqualifying felony convictions pending, payment of all fines/court costs/fees/victim restitution, and completion of sentence/probation/parole or receipt of pardon.

Excludes individuals convicted of impeachment, murder, rape, sodomy, sexual abuse, incest, sexual torture, child exploitation crimes, obscene matter crimes, or treason from voting rights restoration eligibility.

Requires the Board of Pardons and Paroles to conduct reviews and notify individuals of voting rights restoration within 14 calendar days and develop a form by September 1, 2025, for those who met criteria prior to October 1, 2024.

Becomes effective October 1, 2024; modifies voter registration procedures to align with automatic restoration and requires correctional facilities to post materials about voting rights restoration requirements.