Alabama

Step 1: Apply

Can I vote-by-mail in my state?

Probably. Alabama usually requires an excuse to vote-by-mail, but concerns about Coronavirus count as a valid excuse in Alabama for the November election. Follow the application steps below. Click here to register as a new voter or to check your existing registration. (It's always a good idea to double-check.) https://myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/VoterView/RegistrantSearch.do



Are there any other restrictions or requirements to apply?

  • Only one application may be placed in the same envelope.
  • A copy of your valid photo ID must be submitted along with the application.



Who is allowed to vote-by-mail?

You may vote by absentee ballot in Alabama if:

  • You will be absent from the county on Election Day.
  • You are ill or have a physical disability that prevents a trip to the polling place. (Any registered voter concerned about Conronavirus can select this option for the November election.)
  • You are a registered Alabama voter who is temporarily living outside the county (such as a member of the armed forces, a voter employed outside of the United States, a college student, or a spouse or child of such a person).
  • You are an appointed election officer or poll watcher at a polling place other than your regular polling place.
  • You work a required shift - 10 hours or more - that coincides with polling hours.
  • You are a caregiver for a family member who is confined to the home.
  • You are incarcerated but otherwise eligible to vote.



Where should I send my completed application?

Return your completed application to your local election office via mail or in person. https://www.sos.alabama.gov/city-county-lookup/absentee-election-manager

  • No absentee ballot application may be mailed in the same envelope as another voter's absentee ballot application.
  • Upon receiving the absentee ballot application, the Absentee Election Manager may request additional evidence on the reason for voting absentee if the voter has a history of absentee voting.



When is the application due?

Technically, applications must be received by October 29, 2020. To avoid delays within the election office and the postal service, we recommend you send it immediately and no later than the middle of October. New voters must register by October 19, 2020.



***Shenanigan Alerts***

Things to look out for:

  • No absentee ballot application may be mailed in the same envelope as another voter's absentee ballot application.
  • Upon receiving the absentee ballot application, the Absentee Election Manager may request additional evidence on the reason for voting absentee if the voter has a history of absentee voting.
The absentee ballot comes with three envelopes -- one plain (the secrecy envelope), one with an affidavit, or oath, printed on the outside, and one plain envelope, preaddressed (the outer envelope). Once the voter casts the ballot, the procedure is as follows:
  • Seal the ballot in the plain envelope
  • Place the plain envelope inside the accompanying affidavit envelope
  • Seal the affidavit envelope and complete the affidavit that is on the outside of the envelope
  • Sign the affidavit and have the signature witnessed by either a notary public or two witnesses 18 years of age or older
  • An absentee ballot cannot be counted unless the affidavit is notarized or has the signatures of two witnesses.
An absentee ballot returned by mail must be postmarked no later than the day prior to the election (November 2, 2020) and received by the Absentee Election Manager no later than noon on election day. (November 3, 2020) If hand-delivered, the ballot must be in the office of the Absentee Election Manager by the close of business (but no later than 5 p.m.) on the day prior to the election. (November 2, 2020)



I have a question that wasn't answered here.

Please call the county election office where you live. They are in charge of elections and should be able to help you. https://www.sos.alabama.gov/city-county-lookup/absentee-election-manager



Step 2: Vote-by-Mail

When do I have to mail or drop off my completed ballot?

An absentee ballot returned by mail must be postmarked no later than the day prior to the election (November 2, 2020) and received by the Absentee Election Manager no later than noon on election day. (November 3, 2020) If hand-delivered, the ballot must be in the office of the Absentee Election Manager by the close of business (but no later than 5 p.m.) on the day prior to the election. (November 2, 2020) To avoid delays within the election office and the postal service, we recommend you return your voted ballot as soon as it arrives and no later than the middle of October.



Does it require a stamp? Two?

Read the outside of the envelope to see if additional postage may be required. The US Postal service will deliver any ballot, regardless of whether or not it has the correct postage, or any at all. They will charge the local election office for any unpaid postage. https://time.com/4547550/absentee-mail-ballot-postage-stamp-postal-service-usps/



Can my ballot be dropped off at a polling site or dedicated drop box?

Certain counties allow you to drop your ballot at your local election office. Call them to ask. https://www.sos.alabama.gov/city-county-lookup/absentee-election-manager There are no additional drop box locations.



Is there any way to check if my ballot was received?

https://myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/VoterView/AbsenteeBallotSearch.do You may also call your local election office to ask them directly. https://www.sos.alabama.gov/city-county-lookup/absentee-election-manager



I have a question that wasn't answered here.

Please call the county election office where you live. They are in charge of elections and should be able to help you. https://www.sos.alabama.gov/city-county-lookup/absentee-election-manager



Early In-Person Voting

Does my state offer any in-person early voting days?

No.



I have a question that wasn't answered here.

Please call the county election office where you live. They are in charge of elections and should be able to help you. https://www.sos.alabama.gov/city-county-lookup/absentee-election-manager