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Explainer

Alabama votes Nov. 3: every deadline, in one place

Register by Oct. 19. There is no early voting in Alabama, so know your absentee dates and bring a photo ID.

queerham · Sept. 29, 2026 · Alabama, Election

The dates

1. Oct. 19Register or update your address. Online, in person or postmarked by mail.
2. Oct. 27Mailed absentee applications must be received.
3. Oct. 29Last day to apply for absentee in person.
4. Nov. 2Hand-deliver your absentee ballot by close of business.
5. Nov. 3Election Day, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mailed absentee ballots due by noon.

Three things people miss

1. Moved, even across town? You need to update your registration by Oct. 19 or you may be sent to the wrong polling place.
2. Absentee deadlines are receipt dates, not postmark dates. Mail early; the state suggests two weeks ahead.
3. Absentee requires a reason allowed under state law, and a copy of your photo ID with the application.

What to do today

Go to AlabamaVotes.gov, confirm your registration, find your polling place and pull up your sample ballot. It takes about five minutes. Then text this to one friend who has moved this year.

Full details, ID rules and what is on the ballot: Vote 2026.