The bad news delivered Wednesday is that 31 satellite driver’s license offices around the state of Alabama are closing due to budget cuts to the department’s general fund budget.

The good news is Selma’s driver’s license office is not on the list and will remain open.

In September when projected budget cuts were discussed, Selma’s office was on a list of upcoming closures. If that had become a reality, it would’ve made a trip to Montgomery, Birmingham, Huntsville or Mobile a requirement for anyone hoping to pass a road test or obtain a driving permit.

Instead, the offices being shut down are ones not owned by the state. Most of them are in rural communities, like offices in Lowndes, Perry and Wilcox counties.

“We got an $11 million cut in the general fund appropriation, which is basically eliminating those part-time, non-state owned satellite locations,” said Corporal Jesse Thornton with ALEA.

Although Selma’s office will remain open, the other closures will have a lasting impact on those in communities affected. Unfortunately, Lowndes, Perry and Wilcox counties are some of the poorest counties in the state and also have some of Alabama’s highest unemployment rates.

Not having a driver’s license office nearby hinders the ability of many to obtain photo identification, which is required to cast a vote.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s budget went from $55,758,744 to just under $45 million and changes had to be made.

Sadly, those changes may have big effects on whether or not many in Alabama’s rural communities are able to get on the road or vote for a candidate in upcoming elections.