ALABAMA, USA — There is one week until the general election, and election officials in Alabama are getting ready.
Because of the amount of absentee votes being cast this election, it's expected to be much different. Alabama is expected to have a record breaking number of voters in the 2020 general election.
This year, Alabama poll workers can start counting absentee ballots the morning of election day. Secretary of State John Merrill says they are continuing to work with local election officials to ensure voting day runs smoothly.
As of October 27th, more than 286,000 people requested an absentee ballot. More than 221,000 have been successfully returned.
Already this year, the number of absentee votes have shattered the state record of over 89,000 in 2012.
Fewer than 88,000 people voted absentee in 2016.
"The energy and enthusiasm that we see from the electorate is unsurpassed in the history of the state," said Merrill. "That's the reason why we believe that we're going to have record breaking numbers on November the third."
Merrill says they believe between 68% and 75% of Alabama voters will vote at the polls. That's around 2.5 million people casting their ballot for the candidate of their choice on election day.
Election officials encourage voters to take advantage of the time left to prepare themselves for the election.
Remember to bring a valid photo ID when voting at the polls.
The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is Thursday, October 29th. Click here to learn how to request one.
Click here for our full election guide.
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