HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Election Day is Nov. 8, 2022. Candidates for Alabama Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General are on the ballot, along with candidates for U.S. Senate, U.S House of Representatives, and state House and Senate seats. If you're planning to vote, there are some things you need to know.
What is a provisional ballot?
The provisional ballot is designed to ensure that all voters have a chance to cast a ballot even if their eligibility to vote is uncertain.
"And so that provisional ballot gives you the opportunity to vote, and whatever those issues are that need to be cleared up, it gives you time to work on those the next day so that you can make your vote count." explains Ben Simelton, President of the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP.
A voter can request a provisional ballot if:
- No qualifying ID
- They moved to a new precinct and didn't update their voter registration.
- They requested an absentee ballot, but show up to a voting place in person.
What should I do if I have a change in name or address?
A voter should immediately notify their county Board of Registrars of any changes, such as a change in name or address. The law requires that any voter whose name or address is not correct on the voter list must provide current information before being allowed to vote.
The forms to update registration information are available at all polling places on Election Day. If a voter moves to another county within the state, they must re-register in the new county of residence by the registration deadline for that election.
What if my voting status is marked as "inactive"?
You can ask for a re-identification form, and you'll be able to vote as normal.
How can I get my voting rights restored?
An individual who is barred from registering and voting by reason of a disqualifying felony conviction may request to have their voting rights restored by applying for a “Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote” if they have fulfilled all terms of the sentence for the disqualifying felony conviction.
For further information, contact the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles at 334-353-7771 or pardons.state. al.us.
What if I'm a voter with special circumstances?
Victims of domestic violence, guardians of victims of domestic violence, Federal and State prosecutors, Federal, State, Probate and Municipal Judges, Law Enforcement Officers, Legislators, and spouses of any of the aforementioned are entitled to special legal protections related to personal identifying information. For further information, contact the Secretary of State or your local Board of Registrars.
Does Alabama have a Political Party Registration?
No, Alabama does not have a party registration law. Therefore, a citizen does not declare a political party preference when registering to vote.
If I make a mistake on my ballot, can I get a new one?
Yes, don't fret. Replacement ballots are available if the voter makes a mistake in marking their ballot or if the ballot gets torn or otherwise damaged. The voter should take the original ballot to a poll worker and request a replacement ballot. The poll worker will issue a new ballot and place the original ballot in an envelope marked “spoiled ballots” for security purposes.
Just ask the poll worker to SPOIL your ballot. This is a simple process. The poll worker will tear a corner from your old ballot, save it, and issue you a new one.
What if I need help casting my vote?
Any voter who wishes to have assistance is entitled to receive help. The voter may ask anyone (except their employer, an agent of the employer, or an officer or agent of the voter’s union) to give that assistance. If the voter does not request a specific individual, a poll worker may assist the voter at the request of the voter.
Accessibility
Polling places should be accessible to people with disabilities. At every polling place, there will be voting equipment to accommodate voters with disabilities so that they can vote without assistance. If your specific disability is not accommodated, please contact your county’s Probate Judge or the Secretary of State.
If the line is long and I am an elderly or disabled persons, do I have to stand in the long voting lines?
No. A polling official may allow a voter who is physically disabled or over the age of 70 to move to the front of the line at a polling place upon request of the voter.
If you encounter any problems at your polling place, you can reach out to the National Election Protection Hotline by calling 866-OUR-VOTE.
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