TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — House Bill 541 would require Alabama voters to register with a political party before they can vote in that party’s primary election. 

Right now, voters in Alabama don’t have to choose a party—they’re considered unaffiliated and can vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary. The bill’s sponsor, Representative Ernie Yarbrough, said the change would prevent candidates elected by Republican voters from later governing like Democrats. 

“Why did it take so long, for example, constitutional carry?” Yarbrough said. “Why did it take so long to get school choice? 

“There are other platform issues that we could talk about that people would think to be a Republican platform, and why do other bills move so quickly?” 

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Although the bill is advancing to the senate chamber for a full vote, State Senators Merika Coleman and Linda Coleman-Madison expressed concern over the piece of legislation.  

“I don’t know where these liberal republicans are in this legislative body,” Coleman said. “I actually wish they would vote more liberally on some issues, making it easier when it comes to people voting.” 

“Voting is about citizens; it is a citizen’s right, not a party right,” Linda Coleman-Madison said. 

Coleman argued that Republicans are trying to change the rules despite already holding power. 

Republicans control every branch of government in the state of Alabama,” Coleman said. “They’ve got the governor’s mansion, every constitutional office, all of the supreme court and a super majority in the Alabama legislature. 

“It is crazy to me that folks that are winning at this level now want to change the playing field.”

The bills’ fate will now be determined in the Senate chamber.