On November 3rd, college students from across the country will vote, whether by mail or in person. At Auburn, students will also vote in Alabama elections, with each state’s process looking very different. This article covers voting for Alabama residents, including how to register to vote in Alabama, how to request an absentee ballot, and Election Day voting in Alabama.
Voter Registration General Information | Alabama Secretary of State says you can register to vote in three ways: submitting an application online (linked on the website), downloading the application and mailing it to your county Board of Registrars, or having the state mail you an application. You can only register to vote in Alabama if you are a resident of the state of Alabama. When you submit the application, you must have a valid form of Photo ID (like a copy of a driver’s license). Once your application is received, you will be sent a Voter Identification Card, which identifies you as a voter.
Voting absentee in Alabama takes a few steps before your ballot is sent in. First, you must apply for an absentee ballot. You can request an absentee ballot in Alabama for several reasons, such as being a college student or being out of your home county on Election Day. You must send a copy of your Photo ID with your application. Once you mail it back to your county registrar (also the absentee ballot manager), located at your county’s courthouse, they will mail you an absentee ballot. Your ballot must be signed by two witnesses or notarized for it to count. The Absentee Election Manager must receive absentee ballots by noon on Election Day. For more information about mailing in your ballot, visit this website: Absentee Voting Information | Alabama Secretary of State.
Here are some key dates:
October 19th: Last day to register to vote
October 27th: Last day to turn in absentee ballot application by mail
October 29th: Last day to turn in absentee ballot application in person
November 2nd: Deadline to turn in absentee ballot in-person to absentee ballot manager
November 3rd: Election Day; Absentee ballots that are mailed must be turned in to absentee ballot manager by noon of election day
Every state’s voting and absentee ballot process is different. Research your own state’s voting guidelines to make sure you can vote in-person or absentee in this year’s elections.
