Little Changing for Absentee Voters in November Elections

The November General Election will mark the fourth time Alabama voters have been asked to cast ballots this calendar year, which has unfortunately left a number of voters confused about various deadlines.

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen says he wants to clear up any misunderstanding concerning absentee ballots. The deadlines are the same as they always have been. The three previous elections this year have no impact on the process for November 3rd.

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According to the Alabama Votes section of the Secretary's website, county absentee election managers must receive absentee ballot applications submitted by mail by Tuesday, October 27th. The deadline to submit an absentee ballot application in person is Thursday, October 29th.

Absentee ballots returned in person must be received by the county absentee election manager by the close of business Monday, November 2, the day before the election. Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by noon on Election Day, November 3.

It is recommended that absentee ballot applications and completed absentee ballots be mailed at least two weeks before the applicable deadline, if possible.

Secretary Allen is also reminding voters that they must present a valid form of photo identification before voting at their polling place or by absentee ballot.

He also emphasizes that following proper procedures will help ensure a fair and honest election.

There are 3,833,470 registered voters in Alabama, and while record-low numbers of them voted in the primaries, primary runoffs, and the special primary, General Elections in Alabama typically draw double or triple the turnout of primaries, both at the polls and in absentee ballots cast.

For complete election information, registered voters can click Alabama Votes for all voter information, forms and contacts.