Madison County Probate Judge Frank Barger released a statement on Monday urging Tuesday’s primary voters to prepare before going to the polls.
There are important things to remember. First is that the polls open at 7 a.m. today and close at 7 p.m. tonight. Second, your precinct boundaries and/or polling location could have changed since the last election. Verify your polling location in advance by visiting this voting website.
Remember that there is a Republican primary and a Democratic primary. You can vote in either one, but you have to pick one. If there is a primary runoff in June and you voted on Tuesday, you will only be able to lawfully vote in the same runoff as the primary you voted in today. Crossover voting is forbidden under Alabama law. You can vote for whomever you want to vote for in the general election.
Even if you do not care whom the major parties nominate for office there is still a constitutional amendment on the ballot authorizing $85 million in borrowing for improvements to state parks and historical parks. A yes vote authorizes the borrowing and the improvements. A no vote bars the additional debt.
Familiarize yourself with all offices and the amendment on the ballot.
To learn more about the Alabama Democratic primary ballot.
To learn more about the Alabama Republican primary ballot.
You must have a valid photo ID to vote in any Alabama election. Acceptable forms of photo ID include:
Valid Driver's License (not expired or has been expired less than 60 days)
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Digital Driver's License
Valid Non-driver ID (not expired or has been expired less than 60 days)
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Digital Non-driver ID
Valid Alabama Photo Voter ID
Valid State Issued ID (Alabama or any other state)
Valid AL Department of Corrections Release- Temporary ID (Photo Required)
Valid AL Movement/Booking Sheet from Prison/Jail System (Photo Required)
Valid Pistol Permit (Photo Required)
Valid Federal Issued ID
Valid US Passport
Valid Employee ID from Federal Government, State of Alabama, County Government, Municipality, Board, Authority, or other entity of this state
Valid student or employee ID from a college or university in the State of Alabama (including postgraduate technical or professional schools)
Valid Military ID
Valid Tribal ID
If you do not have any of these, you are entitled to obtain a free Alabama voter ID. Contact your board of registrars or call the Alabama Secretary of State’s office for assistance.
Barger said that if you are age 70 or are disabled, you may advance to the front of any line. Do not hesitate to request assistance if you are older, disabled, or require special help - election workers are prepared to assist you.
Campaigns are allowed to campaign at the polling sites, but they must not get within 30 feet of the doorway to the polling place.
There are 1,980 polling stations in the state and 3,639,005 registered voters in Alabama, so be prepared to wait in line, though predictions are that turnout will be only about 26%. If you witness anything that appears not right at the polls, report it to an election official at that site. If that is not resolved satisfactorily, contact the sheriff or the Alabama Secretary of State’s office.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
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