Voter turnout across Alabama continued to drop in Tuesday's runoff elections, with just 10.72% of registered voters casting ballots. While the lower number is typical of most runoff races, the 2026 contests drew 2.08% fewer voters to the polls than those in 2022.
With voting rates having dropped across many counties in the state, it's worth noting the differences between races in the 2022 runoff elections and those in 2026.
In 2022, runoff races included a GOP U.S. Senate matchup, a GOP clash for Alabama's Congressional District 5, a Democrat runoff for governor, a GOP secretary of state runoff, a GOP runoff for state auditor, two GOP runoffs for Alabama's Public Service Commission and a pair of Alabama House GOP runoffs in Madison County.
The 2026 runoff election cycle featured a GOP and Democrat runoff for U.S. Senate, a Democrat runoff for Alabama's Congressional District 5, a GOP runoff for lieutenant governor, one GOP runoff for Alabama attorney general, another GOP matchup for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, a GOP Public Service Commission runoff, a GOP runoff for Alabama State Board of Education District 8 and one Democrat runoff for State Senate District 2.
According to the Secretary of State's office, North Alabama's four largest counties recorded a significant drop in voter turnout between 2022 and 2026, with Madison County's voting rate shifting from 14.54% to 11.24%. Neighboring Morgan County dropped from 16.12% in 2022 to 14.25% in 2026, while Limestone County recorded the steepest decline in the group, with an 18.54% voter turnout in 2022 compared to 10.82% in 2026. Lauderdale County's voting rate decreased from 2022's 15.74% to 8.58% in 2026.
In central Alabama, the region's two largest counties, Jefferson and Shelby, also reported a drop in voter turnout, with Jefferson County recording 14.65% of its registered voters casting ballots in 2022, compared to 11.24% in 2026. Shelby's decline rate was similar, falling from 14.65% in 2022 to 11.43% in 2026.
South Alabama's two most populous counties shared in the trend of declining voter turnout, as Baldwin County drew 12.16% of registered voters during 2022's cycle but only 10.30% in 2026, while Mobile County shifted from 8.41% to 7.34%.
The winners of Alabama's runoff elections will now proceed to the general elections on November 3.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every day or become a member to gain access to exclusive content.
