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Senate backs move away from ERIC; adopts state AVID database for address‑change matching
Summary
Senate Bill 142 (passed April 17, 2025) removes the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) from the list of voter‑registration databases the state may use to identify registrants whose addresses may have changed and directs continued use of the National Change of Address plus state AVID system; effective date October 1, 2025.
The Alabama Senate on April 17, 2025 approved Senate Bill 142, a measure that removes the private Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) from the set of databases a county Board of Registrars or the Secretary of State may use to detect address changes among registered voters. The bill passed 25–5 on final passage.
Senator Kitchens, speaking for the bill, said the state has developed its own Alabama Voter Integrity Database (AVID) and that AVID plus the U.S. Postal Service National Change of Address feed and other state data (for example, drivers‑license and Social Security death index matches) provide comparable or superior notification and allow Alabama to retain data on state servers. Kitchens said AVID has MOUs with multiple bordering states and that moving away from ERIC keeps Alabamians’ personal data in-state and under established security practices.
The bill amends §17‑4‑30 to require registrars or the Secretary of State (if acting as the board’s agent) to use the USPS National Change of Address plus at least one other voter‑registration database “including but not limited to” designated agencies; the statute now omits ERIC from enumerated options and preserves the notice, confirmation, and inactive‑status procedures after undeliverable or non‑response mailings. The secretary may adopt rules to implement the section and may act as agent for a board only with written consent of the county commission.
Sponsor Kitchens said the AVID system has expanded MOUs with other states, and supporters said moving to state‑hosted servers improves transparency and control. Opponents raised concerns about interoperability and asked for assurances that county registrars would have the same or better access to cross‑border address data. The bill sets an effective date of October 1, 2025.
