Rep. Allen Treadaway, R-Morris, speaks at the Alabama House of Representatives on May 8, 2024, at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery. His bill, which bars the use of foreign national IDs for voting, passed the House on April 15, 2025. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)
The Alabama House of Representatives approved a bill Tuesday that bars voters from using a foreign national driver’s license or ID to cast ballots in state elections.
Rep. Allen Treadaway, R-Morris, who sponsored HB 480, said he’s heard of instances where these types of IDs have been used at polling places, though he didn’t specify where or how often.
“My understanding is there’s been some confusion at the polling places,” he said.
While foreign nationals with legal status can obtain driver’s licenses or IDs through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, they are not eligible to vote.
House Democrats opposed the bill, arguing it addresses a non-issue. Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham, pressed Treadaway for evidence.
“I would like to know where it happens and how frequently it happens before we jump into this,” Moore said.
Rep. Laura Hall, D-Mobile, questioned the need for legislation if the foreign ID isn’t already an accepted form of voter identification.
“If it’s not one of them, why do we need a bill? It’s already not one of the ones you can use to vote,” Hall said.
Treadaway insisted the measure would eliminate confusion and make it clear that these IDs are invalid for voting purposes.
“If they have, or haven’t been used, this bill simply says they cannot be used unless they get their U.S. citizenship,” he said.
The bill passed with a 76-5 vote, while 21 representatives abstained. It now moves to the Senate.
