Should I Vote by Mail or In Person?

Because Alabama does not have any early voting period, voting by mail is the only way to avoid the polls on Election Day. Moreover, because COVID-19 is a valid excuse to request a mail ballot in this election, voting by mail is a more viable alternative in Alabama than usual.

To avoid possible postal delays impacting your vote, we recommend mailing your completed ballot back by Tuesday, October 13th. Plan to drop it off by hand after that.

If you are concerned about your absentee ballot returning on time through the mail, visit our other page to learn how to drop your ballot off in person.

Alabama Elections Website

Absentee/Vote by Mail Information

Note: Always read all of the instructions on or with your absentee/VBM ballot. This is a guide, but go by what the instructions say and follow them thoroughly. Your ballot may not be counted if you don't.

How Can I Request An Absentee/VBM Ballot?

Find the absentee ballot request form here.

Do I Need an Excuse to Vote Absentee?

Yes, however Alabama considers the COVID-19 pandemic to be a valid excuse for this election. You must select "I have a physical illness or infirmity which prevents my attendance at the polls [ID REQUIRED]" on the application. Other excuses include:

• EXPECTS TO BE ABSENT FROM THE COUNTY on election day

• IS A REGISTERED ALABAMA VOTER LIVING OUTSIDE THE COUNTY, such as a member of the armed forces, a voter employed outside the United States, a college student, or a spouse or child of such a person

• IS AN APPOINTED ELECTION OFFICER OR POLL WATCHER at a polling place other than his or her regular polling place

• EXPECTS TO WORK A REQUIRED SHIFT, 10-HOURS OR MORE, that coincides with polling hours

• IS A CAREGIVER for a family member to the second degree of kinship by affinity or consanguinity and the family member is confined to his or her home

• IS CURRENTLY INCARCERATED in prison or jail and has not been convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude

Do I Need to Provide a Copy of my ID When I Send in my Absentee Ballot?

Yes.

How Can I Track My Absentee/VBM Ballot?

Go to this link.

Do I Need a Notary or Witnesses to Sign my Ballot?

Yes; either two witnesses older than 18, or a notary public must sign the envelope.

Find a notary here.

Where Can I Return My Ballot In Person If I Choose?

To your county's Absentee Election Manager by 5pm the day before Election Day.

Find your Election Manager here

Can Someone Else Return My Ballot on My Behalf?

No.

Election Day Voting Information

Can I Register to Vote on Election Day In Person?

No.

Find My Polling Place

Find your polling place at this link

Polling Hours (all times local)

7am - 7pm

If you are in line when polls close, you are legally entitled to vote. Don't leave!

Will I Need a Photo or Non-Photo ID to Vote?

Photo ID requested

If no ID is presented, 2 election officials can sign an affidavit attesting to the voter's identity; otherwise the voter votes on a provisional ballot and must return to show an ID within 4 days.

The following are valid forms of ID:

A valid Alabama driver’s license or Alabama non–driver ID card

A valid Alabama voter photo ID card

Any other valid photo ID card issued by a state or the federal government

A valid U.S. passport

A valid employee photo ID card issued by the federal government, Alabama state government, or an Alabama municipal government

A valid student or employee photo ID card from a public or private college or university in Alabama

A valid U.S. military photo ID card

A valid tribal photo ID card