Alabama

Voter ID in Alabama

 

What is your plan for voting?

Voter ID rules are different based on whether you vote by absentee ballot or in person.

 


 

Voting by Absentee Ballot

You can vote using an absentee ballot if:

  • You are a registered voter in Alabama.
  • You can’t go to your polling place for a valid reason, like being sick or having a disability. You are ill or physically unable to reach your assigned polling place

Valid reasons include:

  • Having a physical disability or illness
  • Caring for a family member who is confined

 

Requesting Your Ballot

You have to apply with to receive an absentee ballot. If you need assistance, another person can help fill out the application.

Turn your application in to the same county where you are registered to vote. It can be delivered to your county’s Absentee Election Manager in person or sent by mail.

You need to include a copy of acceptable photo ID with your application: 

You can use your Alabama driver’s license or state ID if it is not expired or expired less than 60 days ago.

These photo IDs also work but cannot be expired:

  • Photo ID issued by US government or any state
  • US passport
  • Alabama Voter ID card
  • Employee ID issued by US, Alabama, or local government
  • Student or employee ID from institution of higher education in Alabama
  • Military ID
  • Tribal ID

 

Exceptions

Some voters with disabilities do not need to include a copy of photo ID with their application. You may qualify if you have a condition that affects how you do things like standing, walking, seeing, hearing, or speaking.

If you have permanent disabilities, you can apply to vote absentee on an on-going basis. This application doesn’t require a copy of ID but you will need to give Alabama driver’s license number or last four digits of your Social Security card. You will also need to have your application signed and notarized by your doctor.

Returning Your Ballot 

You don’t have to send any ID with your ballot, but you do need to do one of these:

  1. Get the affidavit notarized.
  2. Have it signed by two adults who are at least 18 years old.

You’ll find the affidavit on the outside of the envelope that comes with your absentee ballot. Sign it in front of a notary public or in front of two witnesses.

 


 

Voting in Person

You will be asked to show photo ID to vote in Alabama.

You can use your Alabama driver’s license or state ID if it is not expired or expired less than 60 days ago.

These photo IDs also work for voting but cannot be expired:

  • Photo ID issued by US government or any state
  • US passport
  • Alabama Voter ID card
  • Employee ID issued by US, Alabama, or local government
  • Student or employee ID from institution of higher education in Alabama
  • Military ID
  • Tribal ID

 

Exceptions

You can vote without a photo ID if:

  1. Two elections officials positively identify you.
  2. Both officials sign a sworn affidavit confirming your identity.

 


 

Page Updated: August 2023