Alabama

Ballot curing is when a voter corrects an issue with their ballot, so it can be counted.   

Does Alabama allow ballot curing?   

Yes, Alabama allows voters to fix an issue with their ballot.   

How will I know if there’s an issue with my absentee or mail-in ballot?   

Counties are requested to notify voters if there is a missing or mismatched signature on the absentee/mail ballot envelope.   

How do I cure my ballot?   

Voters can typically verify their signature by calling, visiting the county office, or by using the TXT2Cure platform.  

What is the deadline to cure my ballot?   

The deadline to cure (correct) your absentee/mail ballot is the 5th calendar day after a primary, general, or special election that includes a federal office, or by the 3rd business day after any other election.    

Can I track my absentee ballot?  

Track the status of your ballot using your state’s online resource.     

How do I cure my provisional ballot?   

If you voted a provisional ballot, you don’t need to take any action.  If you voted a conditional provision ballot, you need to bring an acceptable ID to your polling location before 7pm on Election Day or to a Post-Election Verification Site by 5pm on the fifth calendar day after a general election that includes a federal office, or the third business day after any other election.  Contact your election officials to find your post-election verification site  

Can I track the status of my provisional ballot online?  

Track the status of your provisional ballot using your state’s online resource.    

For information on federal campaign contributions, please visit Open Secrets.

For information on state campaign contributions, please visit your state's resource.

Information on local, state and federal candidates and ballot measures may be available here.

What is a ballot drop box? 

A drop box is a secure, locked structure operated by election officials where voters can deliver their absentee ballot any time, day or night. 

Are drop boxes available in my state? 

No, ballot drop boxes are not available in Alabama. You may hand-deliver your ballot to the Absentee Election Manager’s office in your county. You can look up the address of your county Absentee Election Manager office here. 

Early Voting Starts: 27 days before Election Day  

Early Voting Ends: The Friday before Election Day 

Can I vote before Election Day in Alabama? 

Yes. Alabama offers no-excuse early voting before Election Day. 

Do I have to apply to vote early in Alabama? 

No. You do not need to apply to vote early in person. Any eligible registered voter in Alabama can vote early at an early voting location. 

If you want to vote early by mail, you must request a ballot unless you are already signed up to automatically receive one for each election. 

Where can I vote early in person in Alabama? 

You may vote early in person at the County Recorder's office or on-site voting locations designated by the county recorder. Early in-person voting starts 27 days before and runs until the Friday before Election Day. 

How can I receive an early ballot in the mail? 

Alabama voters have two options to receive a ballot early by mail: 

1. You can join the Active Early Voting List (AEVL) - By signing up for the AEVL, you can automatically receive a ballot by mail for every election you are eligible to vote in. Ballots are mailed about 27 days before the election. You can sign up online by updating your voter registration or by submitting a paper request form to your county election office. You must have an Alabama mailing address. 
2. Make a one-time ballot-by-mail request - If you do not want to receive a ballot for every election, you can request a ballot by mail for a specific election or election cycle. One-time requests can be made online, by phone, or in writing through your county election office. Requests must include your full name, residential address, date of birth, and the election you are requesting a ballot for. 

You may track the status of your ballot at my.Alabama.vote to confirm that it was received and counted. 

Do I need an ID to vote early in Alabama? 

Yes, if you vote early in person, you must show an acceptable form of identification, just like on Election Day. 

If you vote early by mail, you do not need to include a copy of your ID. Your identity is verified using the signature on your ballot. 

Your next election date can be found here https://www.vote411.org/alabama

You can find more information about upcoming elections in Alabama HERE.

Polling places are open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

To be eligible to vote, you must be:

• A United States Citizen
• A resident in Alabama
• At least 18 years old
• Not convicted of a disqualifying felony (or have had your rights restored)*
• Not legally declared mentally incompetent by a court

Note: If you turn 18 years old after the registration deadline (14 days before an election), you can still vote in the upcoming election! Just be sure you submit your registration application before the 14 day deadline to ensure you're registered as you turn 18.

*The list of disqualifying felonies can be found here.

Do I need an ID to register to vote in Alabama? 

The ID you need to complete your registration varies depending on how you complete the registration process, either by mail or online.  

What types of ID are accepted for registration? 

To register to vote by mail you must provide one of the following:  

• Alabama driver’s license 
• Alabama non-driver’s ID number 
• Social Security number 

To register to vote online you need one of the following:  

• Alabama driver’s license 
• Alabama non-driver’s ID 

Voters can call or text 844-338-8743 at any time to reach VoteRiders Voter ID Helpline 

When are official election results available in Alabama?    

Official results are never available on Election Day. Election officials are working around the clock to count a large number of ballots, and it’s essential that they take the time to make sure every vote is counted.   

Where can I find official election results?   

Official results will be released on the Alabama Secretary of State's website as they become available.    

You are a Military or Overseas voter if you are in uniformed services, living overseas OR a spouse or dependent of a uniformed services voter. To get registered and vote, you can utilize Overseas Vote Foundation.

If you have additional questions about elections and voting overseas you can use our state specific elections official directory or contact the Overseas Vote Foundation.

What is a poll worker and what do they do? 

A poll worker is a community member who helps run elections in Alabama. Poll workers may work at voting locations on Election Day, during early voting, or help process ballots at counting centers. Typical duties include setting up polling places, checking in voters, issuing ballots, assisting voters as needed, and helping close down the polls after voting ends. They are essential to making sure elections are fair, safe, and efficient.  

What qualifications do I need to do to be a poll worker in Alabama? 

• You must be a registered voter in your county.  
• Complete required mandatory training before each election. Training formats (in person or online) and hours vary by county.  
• Many counties allow students age 16 and older to serve with permission from a parent/guardian, and bilingual workers (Spanish, Navajo, etc.) are in demand. 

Are poll workers paid? 

Yes. Poll workers in Alabama are paid for their time, including training and Election Day service. The amount varies by county and position. For the specific rate your county pays, please contact your county elections department. 

How do I apply to be a poll worker? 

You can apply by contacting your county’s elections department or visiting their website to find an application form or volunteer interest page. 

You can find your polling place by utilizing your state resource.

Alabama is an “open primary” state. You can choose the party’s ballot you wish to vote. This decision does not register you with that party, and it is a private decision.

If no candidate receives a majority of the vote (50%+1) in a primary election, a runoff election will be held on the fourth Tuesday after the primary. The runoff election includes the two candidates who received the most votes to ensure that one receives a majority.

Crossover voting is not allowed in Alabama’s primary runoff elections. If you voted in a party’s primary, you must vote in the same party’s runoff. Voters who did not vote in the primary may choose either party’s runoff election.

If you have any questions about your state’s primary election, please contact your local election officials.

What is a provisional ballot?   

Provisional ballots ensure that all voters can cast a ballot even if voter eligibility isn’t certain when they vote. Voters can mark a provisional ballot, and election workers set it aside until eligibility is verified at a later time.   

Does Alabama offer provisional voting?   

Yes, Alabama offers provisional voting.    

How do I vote a provisional ballot?    

You will vote by provisional ballot if you meet certain criteria. That criteria is:  

• Your name is not on the registration list.  
• The name and address on the registration list are not the same as the name and address on your ID.  
• Your ID is not sufficient.  
• You moved to a new precinct within the county.  
• You changed your name.  
• You were challenged as a qualified voter.  
• You requested an early ballot but did not vote an early ballot.  

How can I make sure my provisional ballot is counted?  

You will be given a receipt with information on how to verify the status of your provisional ballot.   

How can I check the status of my provisional ballot?   

Provisional ballots are counted 10 business days after a General Election and 5 days for all other elections. To find out if your provisional ballot was counted, use your state's provisional ballot tool.  

What voting assistance is available for voters with disabilities? 

You have several accessible voting options. 

Handicap-accessible voting machines are at every polling site in Alabama and are available whenever polls are open.  

If you are disabled or over the age of 70 you may move to the front of the line at the polling place, just ask a poll worker to move you. 

How do I request accommodation or report accessibility issues? 

You may request assistance at the polling place from anyone except your employer, an agent of your employer, or an officer or agent of your union. If you need help, you may ask a poll worker to assist you. 

Can I vote by mail because of my disability? 

Absentee voting starts 55 days before the election. Each county has at least one handicap accessible voting machine to assist voters with disabilities with absentee voting.  

If you meet the criteria to receive an absentee ballot by mail you may vote from home. If you are permanently disabled you may vote absentee on an on-going basis. You must apply to receive an absentee ballot for all county, state and federal elections, and have the application signed and notarized by your primary physician. There is a separate application for municipal elections. The application is good for all elections during the calendar year, or if the cycle spans multiple years the application is good for the entire election cycle.  

You must apply for an absentee ballot annually if you wish to receive a ballot.  

Voters who need assistance in completing or returning their absentee ballot due to blindness, disability, or inability to read or write may select any person to assist them, except their employer, an agent of their employer, or an officer or agent of their union. 

 For more information, you can utilize the American Association of People With Disabilities (AAPD) resource. 

What do I need to register to vote in Alabama? 

Here’s what you need to know to register in Alabama or update your voter registration information:  

You may submit an application online, download and mail a completed registration form, or request that a form be sent to your address. 

Can I register to vote using my college address in Alabama? 

Yes, if you consider your campus address your residence, you can register to vote there. If you move to a different dorm or off campus, be sure to update your voter registration with your new address so you can vote in the correct district. 

What’s the deadline to register to vote in Alabama? 

The deadline to register to vote in Alabama, whether online, by mail (postmarked), or in person, is 15 days before Election Day. Be sure to check the exact date each year. 

What form of ID do I need to vote in Alabama? 

You must present a photo ID when voting in person in Alabama. Accepted IDs include an Alabama driver’s license (physical or digital), U.S. passport, military or tribal ID, a student or employee ID from an Alabama college or university, or a government-issued ID from any state or the federal government. If you don’t have a valid photo ID, you may still vote if two poll workers confirm your identity. Free Alabama photo voter IDs are available through the Secretary of State or your county’s Board of Registrars. 

I’m originally from another state. Can I still vote in my home state while studying in Alabama? 

Yes, you can vote in your home state using an absentee ballot, but you'll need to follow your home state's rules and deadlines. You can find the rules for your state on VOTE411 or by contacting your state’s election office. 

Does registering to vote affect my financial aid, parents’ taxes, and/or tuition in Alabama? 

Registering to vote in your college community will not affect your Federal Financial Aid, status as a dependent on your parents’ taxes, or tuition status.  

Does Alabama require employers to give time off to vote?  

In Alabama, employers must grant paid leave for voting if there are less than three hours between the time that polls open or close and when an employee starts or ends their shift. Employees must request leave before Election Day. The employer may specify the hours the employee can be absent from work. 

To verify your voter registration status,

Photo ID is required before voting.

Acceptable photo ID include:

• Alabama Driver's License
• Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Digital Driver's License
• Alabama Non-Driver ID
• Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Digital Non-Driver ID
• Alabama Photo Voter ID
• State Issued ID (Alabama or any other state)
• Federal Issued ID
• US Passport
• Employee ID from Federal Government, State of Alabama, County Government, Municipality, Board, Authority, or other entity of this state
• Student or employee ID from a college of university in the state of Alabama (including postgraduate technical or professional schools)
• Military ID
• Tribal ID
• Valid AL Department of Corrections Release Temporary ID (photo required)
• Valid AL Movement/Booking Sheet from Prison/Jail System (photo required)
• Valid Pistol Permit (photo required)

If you do not have a valid photo ID you may vote only if you are identified by two election officials in the polling place as a voter on the poll list who is eligible to vote and the election officials execute an affidavit stating this. 

If you do not have a valid photo ID and the election officials are not able to identify you, you must cast a provisional ballot.

Free photo ID available!

If you do not have a photo ID, you can get a free Alabama photo voter ID from the Secretary of State or from your county Board of Registrars. Mobile unit locations that provide these photo IDs are available and you can check out the addresses here. You are able to get a new photo ID card each time you move within the state.  

If you are elderly or have a disability such that your polling place is not accessible, you are not required to produce identification when voting by absentee ballot.

Voters can call or text 844-338-8743 at any time to reach VoteRiders Voter ID Helpline

What is the deadline to register to vote in Alabama?   

• Online registration deadline: 29 days before Election Day  
• Register by mail deadline: Postmarked 29 days before Election Day  
• In-person registration deadline: 29 days before Election Day  

If the deadline falls on a holiday or weekend, it will be extended to the next business day.  

How can I check my voter registration status?   

You can verify your voter registration status using Alabama’s voter information tool.   

Does Alabama have online voter registration?   

Yes! Use our online registration tool to complete your application  

Is same-day voter registration available in Alabama?   

No, Alabama does not have same-day voter registration.  

Can I pre-register to vote?   

Yes, you can pre-register to vote if you’ll be 18 years old on or before the next general election.  

Who is eligible to register in Alabama?   

Check if you’re eligible to register here.

What types of voting machines does Alabama use? 

The voting system used in Alabama is Optical Scan. 

What is optical scan voting?  

With optical scan voting, you will receive a card or sheet of paper, which you take over to a private table or booth. The card has the names of the various candidates and ballot measures printed on it.   

• With a pen or pencil, you fill in a little box, circle, or space between two arrows.   
• When you are finished filling out all the cards, you may bring the cards over to a ballot box, where poll workers will show you how to put the cards in the box.   
• Or in some places, you may feed the completed cards or papers into a computer device that checks your card or paper right there at the polling place to make sure you have voted the way you want to and counts the votes.  

You can learn more about voting systems by checking out the Elections Assistance Commission's (EAC) resource.