diff --git a/changes/bug31825 b/changes/bug31825
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..fe90acf299
--- /dev/null
+++ b/changes/bug31825
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+  o Minor bugfixes (modules):
+    - Explain what the optional Directory Authority module is, and what
+      happens when it is disabled. Fixes bug 31825; bugfix on 0.3.4.1-alpha.
diff --git a/configure.ac b/configure.ac
index a639ffaf33..bd12e61671 100644
--- a/configure.ac
+++ b/configure.ac
@@ -251,7 +251,7 @@ m4_define(MODULES, dirauth)
 dnl Directory Authority module.
 AC_ARG_ENABLE([module-dirauth],
               AS_HELP_STRING([--disable-module-dirauth],
-                             [Do not build tor with the dirauth module]),
+                             [Build tor without the Directory Authority module: tor can not run as an authority]),
               [], dnl Action if-given
               AC_DEFINE([HAVE_MODULE_DIRAUTH], [1],
                         [Compile with Directory Authority feature support]))