Voting Day is quickly approaching, as the General Election is set to take place in Alabama on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
According to Vote411.org and the official Alabama Secretary of State website, here is what you need to know before you head to the polls, to ensure that your voice is heard and your ballot is cast.
Q: How do I know if I am eligible to vote?
A: In order to vote in the State of Alabama, you must meet the following requirements:
· Be a United States Citizen
· Be a resident of Alabama
· Be at least 18 years of age
· Not convicted of a disqualifying felony (or have had your rights restored)
· Not legally declared mentally incompetent by a court
Q: What do I need to do in order to register to vote?
A: If registering by mail:
· Must provide your state's Driver License number, Non-Driver ID number or Social Security Number
If registering online:
· Must provide a valid Driver License or Non-Driver ID from your state
Q: What deadlines do I need to meet, before election day?
A: There are a few deadlines to keep in mind before heading to the polls:
· Deadline to register online is Monday, Oct. 24, 2022
· Deadline to register by mail is Monday, Oct. 24, 2022
· Deadline to register in person is Monday, Oct. 24, 2022
o *If you turn 18 years old after the registration deadline (Oct. 25), be sure to submit your registration application before Oct. 25 to ensure you are registered by the time you turn 18.
Q: Does Alabama offer early voting?
A: The State of Alabama does not currently offer early voting.
Q: How do I know where to go on voting day?
A: Go to the following website and enter your current address to view your polling place location.
· https://myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview
Q: Can I cast an absentee ballot if needed?
A: Absentee voting is available up to 55 days before the election if you meet the following eligibility. The last day to request an absentee ballot is five days before the election (or seven days prior if delivered by mail or by the end of business a day before Election Day.)
Absentee Voting Eligibility:
· Will be absent from the county on Election Day
· Are ill or have a physical disability that prevents a trip to the polling place
· Are physically incapacitated and will not be able to vote in person because they cannot access their assigned polling place due to one of the following disabilities:
o Neurological, musculoskeletal, respiratory (including speech organs)
o Cardiovascular
o Or other life-altering disorder that affects his or her ability to perform manual tasks, stand for any length of time, walk unassisted, see, hear or speak) and is either an elderly voter aged 65 or older or a voter with a disability
· Is a registered Alabama voter living outside the county, such as a member of the armed forces, a voter employed outside of the U.S., a college student or a spouse or child of such person
· Is an appointed election officer or poll watcher at a polling place other than their regular polling place
· Expects to work a required shift of 10 or more hours that coincides with polling hours
· Is a caregiver for a family member to the second degree of kinship and the family member is confined to their home
· Is currently incarcerated in prison or jail and has not been convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude
Emergency Absentee Voting:
Emergency Absentee Voting applications can be made after the regular absentee deadline (but no later than 5 p.m. on the day prior to the election) if the voter:
· Is required by their employer to be unavailable at the polls on election day under unforeseen circumstances
· Is a caregiver of a person who requires emergency treatment by a licensed physician within five days before election day
· Has a family member of at least second degree of kinship die within five days prior to election day
For more information on voting in the State of Alabama, visit https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes.
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Kara Mautz, senior in human development and family studies with a minor in journalism, is a culture writer at The Auburn Plainsman.
