Things to know before 2024 election day

• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Must reside in Alabama.
• Should be at least 18 years old on or before election day.
• Must not be barred from voting due to a disqualifying felony conviction.
• Should not have been declared mentally incompetent by a court.

Voter registration is open throughout the year, except during the 14 days leading up to an election and on Election Day itself. During the closure period, it will allow election officials time to compile an accurate voter list for the upcoming election.

Not sure if you're registered to vote or if you're still on the voter rolls? You can check here.

If you plan on mailing in registrations, the form must be postmarked no later than the registration deadline for a specific election. For in-person registrations, they must be received before the close of business on the registration deadline. Electronic registrations need to be submitted before 11:59 PM on the registration deadline.

When it comes to casting your vote, it's important to keep in mind that Alabama's polling places operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. It's worth mentioning that polling locations in the Eastern Time Zone may adhere to the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time schedule. A reminder: those attempting to join the voting line after the clock strikes 7:00 p.m. will not be allowed to cast their vote. 

Alternatively, voters can verify their polling place by visiting the Secretary of State's website.  Keep in mind that for municipal elections, it's advised to check with the City Clerk for details.

Alabama has outlined specific identification requirements that voters must adhere to before casting their ballots. People must present one of the following valid forms of identification to be granted permission to vote. However, for those without any of these forms, a solution is provided in the form of a free Alabama Photo Voter ID card:

• Valid Alabama Driver’s License, including ALEA Digital Driver’s License (not expired or expired less than 60 days)
• Valid Alabama Non-Driver ID, including ALEA Digital Non-Driver ID (not expired or expired less than 60 days)
• Alabama free Photo Voter ID card
• Valid U.S. Passport
• Valid Military ID
• Valid Tribal ID
• Valid Employee ID from Federal Government, State of Alabama, County, Municipality, Board, or other entity of this state
• Valid student or employee ID from a public or private college or university in the State of Alabama (including postgraduate technical or professional schools)
• Valid student or employee ID issued by a state institution of higher learning in any other state
• Valid Federal-issued ID
• Valid State-issued ID (Alabama or any other state)

Examples of acceptable identification include:

• Valid Pistol Permit (Photo Required)
• Valid AL Movement/Booking Sheet from Prison/Jail System (Photo Required)
• Valid AL Department of Corrections Release Temporary ID (Photo Required)

Those who currently do not have an acceptable form of photo ID can acquire a free Alabama Photo Voter ID by visiting their county Board of Registrars office or by requesting a home visit by calling 1 (800) 274-VOTE (8683). On Election Day, if a voter lacks a valid photo ID, they can still cast a regular ballot if their name is on the official voters list and they are identified by two election officials. In cases where this isn't possible, voters can use a provisional ballot.

If you can't make it to your county's polling place on Election Day, don't worry, you may be eligible for absentee voting. Here are the qualifications:

• Expect to be absent from the county on Election Day.
• Are ill or have a physical infirmity preventing you from reaching your assigned polling place.
• Are a registered Alabama voter living outside the county. This includes members of the armed forces, their spouses or dependents, U.S. citizens residing overseas, or students studying away from home.
• Serve as an appointed election officer or poll watcher at a different polling place than your regular one.
• Expect to work a required workplace shift of at least 10 hours, coinciding with regular polling hours.
• Are a caregiver for a family member to the second degree of kinship by affinity or consanguinity, and the family member is confined to their own home.
• Are incarcerated.

When you apply for an absentee ballot, you can use your county's Absentee Voter application. People can opt for an absentee ballot by either composing a written request or visiting their county's Absentee Election Manager. You must provide the following details:

1. Full name and residential address
2. A photocopy of a valid photo ID
3. Election for which the ballot is being requested
4. Reason for being absent from the polls on Election Day
5. Party preference, specifically for Primary or Primary Runoff elections
6. Mailing address for the ballot
7. Voter's signature (if marked, it requires a witness)

It is important to note that indicating a party choice is not mandatory when applying for an absentee ballot in a General Election. However, during a Primary Election, voters can participate in only one party's primary, making it necessary to designate your choice on the application. If a voter declines to specify a party choice for a Primary or Primary Runoff Election, the Absentee Election Manager may only send the ballot for constitutional amendments. 

The completed absentee ballot application must reach the Absentee Election Manager either by U.S. Mail or through a commercial carrier no later than the seventh day before the election. However, the voter can return it in person no later than the fifth day before the election. 

If you vote with a provisional ballot, it is like voting with a regular ballot. Before getting the provisional one, you must sign an affidavit to see if you are eligible to vote and complete a voter update form. The provisional ballots go into a different, safe ballot box than the regular ones.

Reasons you may need a Provisional ballot: 

• Voter Name Not on Poll List
• Absentee Ballot Never Received
• No Photo ID at Polling Place and Can't Be Identified by Two Officials
• No Photo ID Included with Absentee Ballot Application (Non-exempt Voter)
• Voter Objects to Political Party Indicated on Voter List (Applies only to Primary Runoff Elections)