Alabama

Voting in Alabama

From the state election office’s own website. Each answer shows the official wording it comes from.

Registration deadline

The deadline to register to vote before the November 3, 2026 General Election is Monday, October 19, 2026.

Official wording: “Wes Allen, Alabama’s Secretary of State, is reminding Alabamians that the deadline to register to vote before the November 3, 2026 General Election is Monday, October 19, 2026.” — state election office, page read October 19, 2026

Register on Election Day

No. Registration is closed during the fourteen days before an election and on election day.

Official wording: “Registration is closed during the fourteen days prior to an election and on election day.” — state election office, page read October 17, 2026

Register online

Yes. Electronic voter registration is available through the Secretary of State's register-to-vote page.

Official wording: “Electronic voter registration may be completed by visiting https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/register-to-vote.” — state election office, page read October 19, 2026

Who can vote by mail

Under Alabama law, voters need a qualifying reason to vote absentee, and must state it on the application.

Official wording: “Under Alabama law, voters must have a qualifying reason to vote by absentee ballot. Voters are required to identify their qualifying reason on their absentee ballot application.” — state election office, page read October 17, 2026

Request a mail ballot by

County absentee election managers must receive mail-in applications by Tuesday, October 27, 2026. In-person applications are due Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Official wording: “county absentee election managers must receive mail-in absentee ballot applications by Tuesday, October 27, 2026. The deadline to return an absentee ballot application in person is Thursday, October 29, 2026.” — state election office, page read October 17, 2026

Mail ballot due

Mailed absentee ballots must be received by noon on Election Day, November 3, 2026. In-person returns are due by close of business November 2, 2026.

Official wording: “Absentee ballots being returned in-person must be received by the county absentee election manager by close of business on the day before the election, November 2, 2026. Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received no later than noon on Election Day, November 3, 2026.” — state election office, page read October 17, 2026

ID at the polls

Voters must present a valid form of photo identification when voting at their polling place or by absentee ballot.

Official wording: “Voters are required to present a valid form of photo identification when voting at their polling place or by absentee ballot.” — state election office, page read October 19, 2026

Election Day hours

On Election Day, polls will be open 7 am to 7 pm.

Official wording: “On Election Day, polls will be open 7 am to 7 pm.” — state election office, page read October 19, 2026

For anything not listed, and to check your registration, see Alabama’s election office: sos.alabama.gov