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.

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).

Alabama issues a free Voter ID card that can be used to vote if you do not have another accepted form of ID. This ID is only intended for voting.
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.

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.

Each state has its own laws about whether citizens with previous criminal convictions can vote. To check your eligibility to register in Alabama, visit Restore Your Vote.

College students are allowed to vote using their Alabama school residence address. You can decide whether to register in your home state or where you attend school. You may only be registered and vote in one location.

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.

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.