MONTGOMERY– After months of negotiation and consultation by members of the Alabama Association of Boards of Registrars (AABOR), a Registrar pay raise bill (SB48) was recently signed into law by Governor Ivey. Prior to this bill Registrars had only received two raises totaling $30.00 in 30 years. The current law also includes requirements such as increased qualifications. Passage was truly a bi-partisan effort, with Democrats carrying it in the Senate and Republicans carrying it in the House – no one voted against final passage. Rep. Rex Reynolds, Chairman of the House Raise and Means General Fund, was instrumental in guiding the process early on and allocating funding resources. The support of Finance and Taxation General Fund Chairman, Sen. Greg Albritton, was also instrumental to the bill’s success. House Sponsor Rep. Debbie Wood spent many hours communicating with lawmakers and addressing their concerns – she “marshaled the troops” in support of the legislation. Sen. Bobby Singleton carried the bill in the Senate and may have set a record for getting a bill through committee and onto the Senate floor for a vote in a 24-hour time frame.
AABOR President Sydney Dean states, “The judicial office of Registrar was created in the 1800’s as the guardian for the right to vote – and remains so today. Registrars manage and safeguard over 3.7 million voter files. Alabama currently has the highest number of people registered to vote in history. We are humbled that Governor Ivey and Alabama lawmakers recognize the effort and dedication of Registrars with the passage of this bill which includes a long past due pay raise on behalf of these patriots who are honored to serve the great people of Alabama. The foundation of our democracy is grounded in part on the vigilance of Registrars who stand at the front lines to help ensure fair and accurate elections.”
For more information on Alabama Registrars go to ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF BOARDS OF REGISTRARS – Home (aabor.org)
Media Release/Sydney Dean, President/Alabama Association of Boards of Registrars (AABOR)
