How to get an absentee ballot in Alabama before the Nov. 1 deadline

0
907
Vote
[Photo Credit: AP Photo | Michael Conroy]

If you’re going to be out of town or otherwise unable to go to the polls on Election Day, you still have the ability to cast a vote in the Nov. 6 election — you just need an absentee ballot.

Alabamians have until Thursday, Nov. 1 to request an absentee ballot to ensure their voice is heard.

But not any excuse for skipping the polls will qualify you for an absentee ballot. According to the Secretary of State’s office, a voter may vote absentee if he or she:

  • WILL BE ABSENT FROM THE COUNTY on election day
  • IS ILL OR HAS A PHYSICAL DISABILITY that prevents a trip to the polling place
  • IS A REGISTERED ALABAMA VOTER LIVING OUTSIDE THE COUNTY, such as a member of the armed forces, a voter employed outside the United States, a college student, or a spouse or child of such a person
  • IS AN APPOINTED ELECTION OFFICER OR POLL WATCHER at a polling place other than his or her regular polling place
  • WORKS A REQUIRED SHIFT, 10-HOURS OR MORE, that coincides with polling hours

Voters can make application in person if they prefer and gain access to an absentee ballot that same day. If submitting an application by mail, voters can download and complete the form at alabamavotes.gov.

Nov. 5 is the last day for voters are eligible to hand-deliver or postmark an absentee ballot to the Absentee Election Manager’s office in each county. A link to those county offices may be found here.