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Alabama elections in 2026

This page lists Alabama statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Alabama​

Start with the official Alabama voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

Alabama voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • May 29, 2026 — Deadline To Register to vote in person: This is the last day to hand-deliver a voter registration form to the board of registrars for the primary runoff election

Online​

Alabama enables residents to register through their online voter registration portal. You may use the online application to submit an application for voter registration or to submit an update to your registration information. For any election, the last day to register to vote or update your voter registration is the 15th day prior to the election

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

You may download the State of Alabama Mail-In Voter Registration Form - then, just print it, fill it out, and mail it in to your local board of registrars. Any individual registering to vote must send the completed application with his/her original signature to the county's Board of Registrars in which he/she resides.

Deadlines

In Person​

You can hand-deliver your completed voter registration application to your county Board of Registrars office. Voter registration and updating of voter records is closed during the 15 days prior to each election in Alabama.

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Military Overseas: Available

Military and overseas voters may have additional registration options.

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Absentee and early voting in Alabama​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • June 9, 2026 — Deadline to return absentee ballot by mail: Absentee applications returned by mail must be received not less than 7 days prior to the election. [§ 17-11-3(a)]
  • June 11, 2026 — Deadline for absentee ballot return in person: Absentee applications returned by hand must be received not less than 5 days prior to the election. [§ 17-11-3(a)]

Voter ID requirements in Alabama​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Alabama voter ID requirements.

Alabama election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — May 19, 2026​

Statewide Primary election.

Important dates​

  • May 4, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline: This is the last day to register to vote for the primary election. [§ 17-3-50(a)]
  • May 18, 2026 — Deadline for Absentee Ballot Returned in-person: Absentee ballots being returned by hand to the absentee election manager must be received no later than the close of business on the day prior to the election. (§ 17-11-18)
  • May 19, 2026 — Deadline for Absentee Ballots Returned By Mail: Absentee ballots being returned by mail to the absentee election manager must be received no later than noon on this day. [§ 17-11-18(a)]
  • May 19, 2026 — Deadline for military and other UOCAVA voters in the primary to postmark an absentee ballot returned by mail: This is the last day for military and other UOCAVA voters in the primary to postmark an absentee ballot returned by mail to the absentee election manager. [§17-11-18(b)]

Runoff Election — June 16, 2026​

Statewide Primary Runoff election. Absentee ballots being returned by mail to the absentee election manager must be received no later than noon on this day. [§ 17-11-18(a)]

Important dates​

  • May 29, 2026 — Deadline To Register to vote in person: This is the last day to hand-deliver a voter registration form to the board of registrars for the primary runoff election
  • June 1, 2026 — Deadline To Register To Vote Electronically: This is the last day to register to vote electronically until midnight for the primary runoff election; 15th day before the election. [§§ 17-3-50(a), 1-1-4]
  • June 9, 2026 — Deadline to return absentee ballot by mail: Absentee applications returned by mail must be received not less than 7 days prior to the election. [§ 17-11-3(a)]
  • June 11, 2026 — Deadline for absentee ballot return in person: Absentee applications returned by hand must be received not less than 5 days prior to the election. [§ 17-11-3(a)]

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • August 24, 2026 — Deadline For Candidates to withdraw their name from ballot: The last day candidates can withdraw their name from ballot is 71 days before the date of the election. [§ 17-6-21(c)]
  • September 19, 2026 — UOCAVA - Deadline To Request Absentee Ballot: This is the last day to transmit absentee ballots to any UOCAVA voters whose absentee ballot request is received at least 45 days prior to the general (ballot transmittal 45 days prior to the general) per 52 U. S. C. § 20302(a)(8).
  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: You can hand-deliver your completed voter registration application to your county Board of Registrars office. Voter registration and updating of voter records is closed during the 15 days prior to each election in Alabama.
  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: You may download the State of Alabama Mail-In Voter Registration Form - then, just print it, fill it out, and mail it in to your local board of registrars. Any individual registering to vote must send the completed application with his/her original signature to the county's Board of Registrars in which he/she resides.
  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Alabama enables residents to register through their online voter registration portal. You may use the online application to submit an application for voter registration or to submit an update to your registration information. For any election, the last day to register to vote or update your voter registration is the 15th day prior to the election.
  • October 27, 2026 — Deadline To Return Absentee Ballot By Mail: Absentee applications being returned by mail must be received not less than 7 days prior to the election. (§ 17-11-3)
  • October 29, 2026 — Absentee applications returned by hand must be received not less than 5 days prior to the election.: The absentee ballot applications must turned in no later than the fifth calendar day before the election.
  • November 2, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Return Ends: If hand-delivered, the ballot must be in the office of the Absentee Election Manager by the close of business (but no later than 5 p. m. ) on the day prior to the election.
  • November 3, 2026 — Deadline To Return Absentee Ballot by mail: Absentee ballots being returned by mail to the absentee election manager must be received no later than noon on this day

Official Alabama election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.