Alabama House passes voter-data bill requiring phone/email opt-in, redacting contact info from statewide roll

The Alabama House passed House Bill 67 on Feb. 6, adopting an amendment that redacts phone numbers and email addresses from the statewide voter roll unless the voter opts in to have that information shared. Representative Kiel, sponsor of the measure, said the change is intended to shield residents from unwanted commercial calls and protect privacy.

"The overwhelming majority of Alabamians do not know that their phone number is being sold by the state, and they do not want their phone number sold," the sponsor said during debate, adding that the roll will still include voter ID, full date of birth, address and voting history.

Supporters framed the bill as a privacy reform. Representative Kiel said removing phone numbers and email addresses would reduce spam calls and that other essential voter information would remain available. "People are sick of spam calls, and they do not want the state of Alabama to be complicit in that," Kiel said.

Opponents argued the change would make it harder for candidates and elected officials to reach constituents. Representative Barbara Drummond said candidates routinely use the voter list to contact voters and that removing contact data would force officials to rely on third-party vendors. "If this bill passes, we now will have to resort to third party vendors in order to get that information to contact folks that we were elected to serve," Drummond said, warning that cost and access would be shifted to intermediaries.

Members also raised equity concerns: Representative McCombill described instances when voters were surprised to find their polling places changed and said reliable contact information helps preserve access to voting. "Whenever we are dealing with voting issues ... I have a real concern about whether or not I am to vote in Alabama," McCombill said, arguing that practical outreach tools matter to historically disenfranchised communities.

To address those concerns, the House adopted an Ensler amendment during floor negotiations: a voter's phone number will be included on the voter roll only if the registrant explicitly affirms that they want it shared (an opt-in). Sponsor Kiel accepted the amendment on the floor as a compromise to preserve privacy while allowing willing registrants to permit contact.

The House recorded final passage of HB67 after the amendment (recorded vote: 85 ayes, 16 nays). The bill as passed removes phone numbers and email addresses from the default roll and establishes the opt-in mechanism; the voter identification number, full date of birth, address and voter history remain on the list.

What happens next: HB67 now moves to the Senate for consideration. Supporters said the measure addresses a voter-privacy concern; critics said it may shift costs to campaigns and complicate constituent outreach unless the Secretary of State’s office and registrars provide additional tools or guidance.