Voter Registration Closes Next Monday, October 19, For November Midterm Election

As the countdown to November 3 General Election Day narrows, there are some critical deadlines voters need to remember.

• Voter registration deadline: Monday, October 19 (applies to online, mail and in-person registration).
• Last day to apply for an absentee ballot by mail: October 27.
• Last day to apply for an absentee ballot in person: October 29.
• Last day to hand-deliver an absentee ballot: November 2.
• Mailed absentee ballots must be received by noon on November 3 (Election Day).

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen is encouraging all eligible voters to verify their voting information is correct and to note the important deadlines.

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“I encourage all eligible Alabamians to register to vote or verify their voter registration status ahead of the General Election in November,” Allen said in a press release. “Take the time now to make sure you are registered, informed, and ready to vote on November 3.”

Eligible voters can register online through the Alabama Secretary of State’s website or submit a paper registration form to their local Board of Registrars.

The November General Election will mark the fourth time many Alabama voters have gone to the polls this year, not counting various special and municipal elections. Although general elections typically draw larger voter turnouts, political analysts have cited concern about voter fatigue and whether Alabama’s Republican supermajority control of the state may suppress turnout despite the national battle for control of Congress.

The May primary drew the largest participation, with just over 23% of registered voters casting ballots. Turnout fell by more than half in the June runoff, dropping to 10.72%.

Though November elections generally draw more voters because of high-profile races for the state’s constitutional offices, all polling has reflected a relatively easy road for GOP candidates, which could inhibit turnout.

The lowest-ever statewide general election turnout occurred in 2022, when just 38.5% of registered voters went to the polls.

Note: Beginning Monday, October 26, the Tuscaloosa Thread will begin a final countdown to Election Day with daily election coverage.