I recently moved and was going to register to vote on www.alabamavotes.gov.  It's been quite e few years since I've had to re-register, but i don't seem to remember this being part of the process before.   The last part says "I solemnly swear or affirm to support and defend the constitution of the United States and the State of Alabama and further disavow any belief or affiliation with any group which advocates the overthrow of the governments of the United States or the State of Alabama by unlawful means and that the information contained herein is true, so help me God.

In this political "climate", I must say this gives me pause. Has this always been so or is my tinfoil hat too tight?

It's always been there.  On my paper registration card, I drew a line thru it before signing.  My oath is to the Constitution, not to Alabama.

They registered me with no questions.

thanks for the link

I cant imagine they'd take me to jail if I signed and then joined a group which advocates the overthrow of the State of Alabama.

I mean, if I did I suppose there'd be A LOT more stuff for which they might arrest me

j/s