Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:25 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:04 a.m. UTC
Can I trust this information?
These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization, to inform voters via TurboVote and other partners. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.
How do I report an issue with the information provided on this page?
Drop us a line to report an issue, share feedback or ask questions about the voting information on this page.
Summary
Alabama offers absentee ballots by mail to voters who will be unable to vote in person. All other voters are expected to vote in person.
Top Actions
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"
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Alabama's site.
Can I vote early?
No, early voting in person before Election Day is not offered in this election. Alabama does offer absentee voting with an excuse in-person or by mail beginning 55 days prior to Election Day. Find the eligibility requirements for absentee voting and contact your Absentee Election Manager to check if you can visit their office to request and return an absentee ballot in person.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to show photo ID to vote in Alabama.
Acceptable forms of valid photo ID include:
- Alabama driver's license (may be expired up to 60 days)
- Alabama non-driver's ID card (may be expired up to 60 days)
- Alabama photo voter ID card
- digital driver's license or non-driver ID issued by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
- photo ID card issued by Alabama or any other state (examples include AL Department of Corrections Release - Temporary ID, AL Movement/Booking Sheet from Prison/Jail System, or a pistol permit)
- federal government issued ID
- US passport
- employee ID card issued by the federal government, the State of Alabama, county, municipality, board or other entity in Alabama
- student or employee ID issued by a public or private college or university in Alabama
- US military ID
- valid tribal ID
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. In order for your ballot to be counted, you must provide your ID, including your address and your telephone number, to the board of registrars no later than 5:00 P.M. on the Friday following the election. If you fail to provide ID to the board of registrars by that time, your ballot will not be counted. In addition, voters who do not show valid photo ID at the polls can vote a regular ballot if they are positively identified by two election officials as a voter on the poll list who is eligible to vote and the election officials sign a sworn affidavit.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Alabama’s site.
Can I vote early?
No, Alabama does not offer early voting in person before Election Day. However, you may be eligible to vote an absentee ballot. Alabama does offer absentee voting with an excuse in-person or by mail beginning 55 days prior to Election Day. Find the eligibility requirements for absentee voting and contact your Absentee Election Manager to check if you can visit their office to request and return an absentee ballot in person.
How do I vote by mail?
Alabama allows eligible voters to request a mail ballot. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Check to see if you’re eligible to vote by mail on Alabama's site.
How do I get my ballot?
Request your mail-in ballot with a mail ballot application.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your Absentee Election Manager.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Alabama’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Alabama does not offer registration on Election Day.
Get Ready to Vote
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the Alabama Office of the Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
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:
- 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.
- Send the application to your Absentee Election Manager.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- 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.
How do I contact my state election office?
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.