Alabama
1 Check ID Rules
Voting in Person
Alabama requests photo ID to vote in person. You can vote without an ID if two election officials confirm your identity.
Accepted IDs
Most people show one of these photo IDs:
Must be unexpired or Can be expired less than 60 days
- Alabama driver’s license
- Alabama state ID card
You can also show:
Must be unexpired
- Alabama Voter ID card
- Photo ID issued by US government or any state
- US passport or passport card
- Military or veteran identification
- Tribal identification
- Student or employee ID issued by Alabama higher education institution
- Employee ID issued by US, Alabama, or local government
Voting by Mail
Absentee ballots in Alabama are only for some voters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have the right ID to vote in Alabama?
Alabama voters who do not present an accepted photo ID at the polls have two options:
Two Election Officials Confirm Identity
- You can vote without a photo ID if two election officials sign a statement confirming your identity.
Vote a Provisional Ballot and Return with ID
- Vote a provisional ballot if you are not able to present ID or confirm your identity. Provisional ballots make sure eligible voters are not rejected at the polls.
For your provisional ballot to count, you must:
- Complete and sign a provisional verification statement at the polls
- Submit an accepted form of photo ID to your county board of registrar’s office by 5pm on the Friday after the election. Find your local office.
If you do not have an accepted photo ID, you can get a free Alabama voter photo ID card. Check the FAQ above “How can I get a free ID to vote in Alabama?” for more info.
Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Alabama?
Do I need a “REAL ID” to vote in Alabama?
You do not need a “REAL ID” to vote in Alabama.
REAL ID is a set of national security standards for states to follow when they issue driver’s licenses and state ID cards. Your ID will show a star if it meets REAL ID standards.
Applying for a REAL ID requires you to appear in person with a variety of documents to prove your identity.
Visit the ALEA website to find out exactly what is required to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card (called a STAR ID in Alabama).
How can I get a free ID in Alabama?
You can get an Alabama Voter ID card from the Secretary of State’s office, your county Board of Registrars office, or a “mobile ID” unit. Find a location near you.You will be required to provide documentation of:
- Legal name (including documentation of any changes)
- Date of Birth
- Alabama voter registration (can be electronically verified by office)
- Name and address that matches your voter registration record (can be electronically verified by office)
Common examples include your: birth certificate, marriage certificate, Medicaid or Medicare documents, official school record or transcript, Certificate of Citizenship, or hospital records.
Who can vote absentee in Alabama?
The following reasons are accepted:
- Not being in your county on Election Day
- Physical disability or illness
- Being age 65 or older
- Caring for a family member who can’t leave home
- Working as an election officer or poll watcher somewhere else
- Work schedule (at least 10 hours) that conflicts with polling hours on Election Day
- In prison or jail but qualified to vote
Request your absentee ballot by contacting your county’s Absentee Election Manager.
2 Register
Who can vote in Alabama?
You need to register before you can vote in Alabama.
You can vote in Alabama if you meet these requirements:
- You are a citizen of the United States.
- You are a resident of Alabama.
- You are at least 18 years of age on Election Day.
You cannot register to vote in Alabama if:
- You have been convicted of a felony, and your civil rights have not been restored.
- You are under a court order that takes away your right to vote.
How to Register
Required ID Information:
You have to verify your identity when you register to vote!
If you have a driver’s license or state ID card:
- Give your license or ID number on the registration form.
If you do not have either ID:
- Give the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
- Don’t have a Social Security number? Leave this part of the form blank.
If you do not provide an ID number when you register, be ready to show an accepted ID the first time you vote.
Register to Vote Online
You can use this form to register in Alabama online.
Other Voter Registration Options
- Complete a registration form and send via mail.
- Visit your local election office or a voter registration agency to register in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register to vote in Alabama if I have been convicted of a crime?
Can I register to vote in Alabama if I attend college in Alabama?
Can I register and vote on the same day in Alabama?
No, Alabama does not allow you to register and vote on the same day.
Check Alabama’s registration deadlines here!.
If the registration deadline for an upcoming election has passed, you can still apply to register. Your registration will be processed, and you will be registered to vote in future elections.
How do I fix or update my voter registration information?
If you cannot find your registration information or if any details are incorrect:
- Update your name, address, or political party affiliation by submitting a new registration.
- Contact your local election office if you have questions or need to make other changes.
Register to Vote in Alabama
Don’t have a state-issued ID? VoteRiders is here to help!
3 Vote
Voting in Person
Alabama requests photo ID to vote in person. You can vote without an ID if two election officials confirm your identity.
Voting by Mail
Absentee ballots in Alabama are only for some voters.
Reasons you can vote by absentee ballot include:
- Not being in your county on Election Day
- Physical disability or illness
- Being age 65 or older
- Caring for a family member who can’t leave home
- Working as an election officer or poll watcher somewhere else
- Work schedule (at least 10 hours) that conflicts with polling hours on Election Day
- In prison or jail, but qualified to vote
Requesting an Absentee Ballot
You can request an absentee ballot by contacting your county’s Absentee Election Manager.
You must provide a copy of photo ID with your application. You can use any of the photo IDs that are accepted to vote in person.
Returning an Absentee Ballot
You do not need to include ID with your completed ballot. However, your absentee ballot must be notarized or signed by two adult witnesses for it to be counted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix my Alabama mail ballot if it is rejected?
There is no process to “cure” (fix) your absentee ballot if it is rejected.
Who can vote absentee in Alabama?
In Alabama, you have to give a specific reason for voting by absentee ballot.
The following reasons are accepted:
- Not being in your county on Election Day
- Physical disability or illness
- Being age 65 or older
- Caring for a family member who can’t leave home
- Working as an election officer or poll watcher somewhere else
- Work schedule (at least 10 hours) that conflicts with polling hours on Election Day In prison or jail, but qualified to vote
Request your absentee ballot by contacting your county’s Absentee Election Manager
