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How to register to vote in Alabama

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Summary

Alabama offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Alabama by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your Board of Registrars. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.

Who can register to vote?

To register in Alabama you must:
  • be a citizen of the United States
  • be a resident of Alabama and your county at the time of registration
  • be 18 years old on or before Election Day
  • not be barred from voting by reason of a disqualifying felony conviction, or if you have been convicted, you must have had your civil rights restored. You can find the list of disqualifying felonies on the Secretary of State’s website here at: sos.alabama.gov/mtfelonies
  • not have been declared mentally incompetent in a court
  • swear or affirm to "support and defend the Constitution of the U.S. and the State of Alabama and further disavow any belief or affiliation with any group which advocates the overthrow of the governments of the U.S. or the State of Alabama by unlawful means and that the information contained herein is true"

Can I register to vote online?

  • Alabama offers online voter registration.
  • You should know: you need an Alabama driver's license or non-driver ID to use Alabama's online voter registration system. If you don't have an Alabama-issued ID, you can still register by mail to vote.

Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?

Use the National Voter Registration Form

  1. Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Box 6 - ID Number: If you have one, you must provide your Alabama driver's license number or Alabama non-driver's identification card number. If you do not have an Alabama driver's license or non-driver's identification card, you must provide the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. If you have not been issued any of these numbers you must write the word "NONE" and a unique identifier will be provided for you.
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: If you choose not to declare a political preference at the primary election, you will not be eligible to vote in any political party’s primary election. You are, however, still eligible to vote on any proposed constitutional amendments that are up for a vote.
  4. Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: You are required to fill in this box; however, your application will not be rejected if you fail to do so.
  5. Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your Board of Registrars
  8. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes:
    • A current and valid photo identification or
    • A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address.
    • More information here.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Alabama does not offer registration on Election Day.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

Get Ready to Vote

How do I get help registering to vote?

If you’d like more help planning how to register, TurboVote can walk you through the process! They can also help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more.

How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?

Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your Absentee Election Manager for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
  1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your Absentee Election Manager may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
  2. Send the application to your Absentee Election Manager.
  3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
  4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
  5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your Absentee Election Manager.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your Absentee Election Manager first. Then:
  • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your Absentee Election Manager.
  • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Alabama. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov

How can I check my voter registration status?

You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Alabama's voter registration lookup tool.

Which election office should I contact?

  • In Alabama, the Board of Registrars and Absentee Election Manager run voter registration and elections in your area. The Board of Registrars can help you with questions about registering to vote, and the Absentee Election Manager can help you with questions about voting, including voting by mail.
  • The Office of the Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Alabama. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.

How do I contact my local election office?

Visit your state’s site to find the contact information for the Board of Registrars or the Absentee Election Manager.