(WDNG) – Public safety officials say most satellite driver’s license offices will reopen at least one day per month. Information from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says at least 29 satellite locations will reopen beginning this week.
A decision to close nearly three dozen offices last month was met with harsh criticism by civil rights groups and at least one presidential candidate. Those critics claimed the closures present additional hurdles in obtaining identification required for voting for poor residents living in rural Alabama. Offices in Atmore and Dadeville will remain closed, but locations in Cherokee, Clay and St. Clair counties will reopen. The satellite office in Heflin will remain closed, pending a new location.
The closures were announced in September after the Alabama Legislature cut more than $11 million from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency budget. Renewals can still be handled by county license commissioner’s or online at the website www.alrenewal.com.