The upcoming election is a presidential primary. Learn About Presidential Primaries
Learn about all the options to vote in Alabama to make a plan to vote that works for you!
Alabama Board of Elections Phone Number: (334) 242-7200
Whether you are registering to vote for the first time, or need to update your address, name or party affiliation - we've got you covered!
Not sure if you are eligible to vote due to a felony conviction?
Click here to learn more.
Request and track
Notice: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it’s submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in Alabama.
Excuse required to vote by mail.
Voting by mail is a two step process in Alabama.
Step 1: Request your ballot NOW. The deadline for your application to be received by mail is the Tuesday before Election Day, November 1st, and in person is the Thursday before Election Day, November 3rd.
Step 2: Complete and return your ballot ASAP.
Grab two friends! After you complete your ballot, you must sign the affidavit oath on the return envelope in the presence of two adult witnesses or one notary. They must sign, too.
Remember to sign your return ballot.
Note that your ballot will come with three envelopes. You must use them all!
(1) Seal the ballot in the blank secrecy envelope provided.
(2) Place that envelope inside the envelope with an affidavit, and seal in the presence of two adult witnesses or a notary. Sign the affidavit. The witnesses or notary must sign, too.
(3) Lastly, place the affidavit envelope in the pre-addressed outer envelope. If you do not follow the instructions and use all three envelopes your ballot could be tossed.
All voters are required to provide ID when voting by mail.
ID is required with application to vote by mail.
Go ahead and make one copy of your photo ID! You need to include a copy of your photo ID with your application to vote by mail. Info here on what qualifies as photo ID in Alabama. If no ID is provided, the ballot becomes provisional and your ballot will not be counted unless you provide a valid ID to the registrar within the time provided for provisional ballot cure.
If you return your ballot by mail, you must add a stamp when mailing in your ballot. You can also return your ballot via commercial delivery services, such as FedEx or UPS (at your expense).
You can also drop off your ballot in person at your local elections office.
Only you may return your ballot.
Track your ballot by clicking here.
If you have an absentee ballot that you are not going to use, or you miss the deadline to return, you may go to your polling place and vote in person. You may be asked to use a provisional ballot. If you vote a provisional ballot, it will be counted once it is confirmed that you did not vote by mail.
Alabama does not offer voters a chance to address challenges to their ballot. Your ballot will not count if it is late, or you do not follow directions.
Voters in Alabama are required to show ID at the polls.
Current, Valid Photo Identification:
Enter your address below to see what you can expect on Election Day.
Primary Type (D): Open
Primary Type (R): Open
Your state automatically registers people to vote at the address on their drivers license or other state issued ID card. If you have moved but have not updated your ID with your new address, changed your name or want to add a political party selection, you must update your voter registration. Click here to check to see if you are registered to vote, and update your registration if needed.
You can register to vote and cast your ballot on Election Day at your polling place or local elections office. Bring a valid ID and proof of residence with you.
Alabama voters may vote in person with an absentee ballot through the absentee ballot deadline at their county courthouse. This means you come to the courthouse with your valid photo ID, request a ballot from the clerk, fill out your ballot and return to the clerk, who will notarize the ballot when you return it. An excuse is needed to vote in person absentee.
Some states have laws that specifically allow citizens to preregister at a certain age while others allow registration as long as you’re 18 by the next election. Preregistration means you’ll be automatically registered to vote on your 18th birthday without taking any additional steps.
In Alabama, you can preregister to vote if you are 18 by the next election. Register to vote today!
Some states even let you vote in their primaries at 17 if you’ll be 18 by the general election so you can participate in the whole process!
You can not vote in the Alabama primaries if you are 17 by the next election.
