POLICIES OF THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE REGARDING REQUESTS FOR PUBLIC RECORDS
Ala. Code § 36-12-40 provides that[e]very citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public
writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute.” While many of the records
maintained by the Office of the Secretary of State are available on the official website at
www.sos.alabama.gov
and may thus be obtained electronically, not all records are available through this
means.
To comply with § 36-12-40, it is the policy of the Secretary of State to allow citizens to inspect and take a
copy of any public record maintained by this office, unless the record is exempt from public disclosure.
Brent Beal
serves as the access officer to such records and questions regarding policies or documents
sh
ould be addressed to her at Brent.Beal@sos.alabama.gov
or 334-353-7857. Access to public records
will be provided during normal office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be a charge for public
records as required by law. Every effort will be made to provide public records within a reasonable
time. Records are to be inspected in the offices of the Secretary of State. It is requested that citizens
inspecting public records refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking in areas where such records are
being inspected and copied. The Secretary of State will determine reasonable limitations on the number
of citizens who may inspect and copy records at one time so as not to disrupt the work of the employees
of the Office of the Secretary of State.
Citizens wishing to obtain copies of public records should complete this form:
Name_______________________________________________________________________________
Address______________________________________________________________________________
Email Address_________________________________________________________________________
Are you citizen?__________________ If so, where __________________________________________
Description of documents requested_______________________________________________________
____
_________________________________________________________________________________
Date______________________________
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