Republicans vow to refile bill requiring party affiliation at time of registering to vote

When it comes to enacting legislation, the Alabama Legislature doesn’t always adhere to the old ‘one and done’ adage.

That will be the case for HB541, co-sponsored by several legislators, including Rep. Jamie Kiel (R-Russellville).

The bill sailed through the Alabama House on March 19, 2026, passing with a 63-35 vote, but died in the Alabama Senate without coming up for a vote.

The legislation would have required voters, beginning January 1, 2027, to register their political party affiliation before voting in that party’s primary election.

Additionally, the voter may not change his or her party affiliation beginning 60 days prior to the primary election and extending through the day of the corresponding general election.

Alabama is one of 15 states that hold open primaries, meaning a voter may choose to vote in either party primary. A change in the law i recent years does prevent crossover voting, meaning a voter may not vote in a party primary runoff election if he or she voted in the other party primary.

The Republican sponsors of HB541 said the idea of the legislation was to ensure that ‘Republican nominees are chosen by Republican voters,’ without risk of crossover voting from Democrats.

That principle has become an integral part of the Alabama Republican Party’s mission.

Among the opponents of HB541 was the American Civil Liberties Union, which led an aggressive campaign to influence senators to oppose the bill.

On its Facebook page, the ACLU posted the following message about HB541:

“We're calling on Alabamians who care about Voting Rights to contact their Senator and urge them to vote NO on HB541, the Safeguard Alabama Voter Engagement (SAVE) Act.

Passing this bill would discourage participation by independent-minded voters and voters who do not want to be bound to a party identity to take part in the candidate-selection process. Voting policy should expand participation and reduce friction for eligible voters, not require Alabamians to adopt a partisan affiliation just to have a voice in primary elections.”

The bill cleared the House and reached the Senate floor just six days before the end of the 2026 Legislative Session so there was never a vote taken on the Senate floor.

Sponsors of HB541 vow to reintroduce it next year, and the Alabama Republican Party has made it a priority.

In a press release last week, ALGOP Chairman Scott Stadthagen affirmed the importance of the legislation.

“The fight is not over. We have built real momentum and we will carry it forward. We are already working to ensure this legislation is approved in 2027,” Stadthagen said.