More than 3.625 million Alabamians are registered voters, the largest total in the state's history.
That number includes more than two million voters who have registered since January 19, 2015, the day that John Merrill's tenure as Alabama Secretary of State began.
Over that same time period, 1,367,770 voters have been removed from the active voter list through the Secretary of State's voter list maintenance process.
As Merrill begins his final year as Secretary of State, the newly-formed Voter Fraud Reform Task Force held its first meeting last September.
Comprised of 15 members, including Merrill, the task force includes Alabamians with diverse backgrounds and political persuasions.
Since 2015, the Secretary of State's office has processed more than 1,600 voter fraud complaints, resulting in six convictions, two overturned elections and the removal of one public official.
When you go to the polls in 2022, voters will see electronic poll books and other changes to the voter registration system to ensure Alabama complies with the National Voter Registration Act.
A 'Vote for Alabama' mobile phone application allows eligible residents to register to vote, update their information and find their polling location on election day.
Merrill also implemented a free photo voter ID program and voter registration mobile unit initiative to make the voter registration process easier. Members of the Secretary of State's staff visit all of Alabama's 67 counties each year, where they provide free photo voter ID and voter registration forms.
Home visits are also available for those unable to visit a mobile unit event or their County Board of Registrars.
Although he will leave office next January, Merrill said he will continue to actively travel the state and work to ensure fair and impartial elections that have brought Alabama national acclaim in recent years.
“As we enter my final year as your Secretary of State, you have my word that I will continue to achieve only the best for our citizens,” Merrill said. “Always know that I am just a quick phone call away if you ever need assistance.”
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