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

SB 7 would automatically restore voting rights for most Alabamians convicted of felonies (excluding treason, murder, rape, and certain sex crimes) upon completing their sentences, eliminating the current application process. It would also remove specific qualifications needed to vote by absentee ballot and establish the Alabama Voting Rights Commission to review election actions for potential discrimination against protected voter groups. The bill requires the Secretary of State to maintain a public election database tracking administration details. If passed, these changes would directly affect over 100,000 people with past felony convictions and all voters using absentee ballots in Alabama. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.