Tuesday is election day for most municipalities in the state of Alabama. Here are five fast facts voters may want to know before heading to the polls.
This year marks a change in local elections, following the implementation of a new law aimed at enhancing voter participation. In 2021, the legislature moved most municipal elections to off-years through legislation sponsored by State Sen. Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills).
Historically, municipal elections in Alabama have seen low turnout despite the often high stakes involved. Two factors have historically influenced turnout: open seats and competitive races where public opinion has shifted against an incumbent, typically due to the incumbent's poor performance negating their traditional advantage.
Things to know:
- You can view your voter registration status and polling place on the Secretary of State’s website.
- Municipal elections are nonpartisan. There will be no indicators of a candidate’s party affiliation on the ballot.
- Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are in line before 7 p.m., state law allows you to vote.
- Alabama law requires voters to present a valid photo ID to cast a ballot. Listed below are the approved forms of photo identification, as specified by law. If a voter does not possess one of these, then he or she may receive a free Alabama photo voter ID from various locations:
- Valid Alabama Driver’s License (not expired or has expired less than 60 days)
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Digital Driver’s License
- Valid Alabama Nondriver ID (not expired or has expired less than 60 days)
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Digital Nondriver ID
- Valid Alabama Photo Voter ID Card
- 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 the Federal Government, the State of Alabama, the County, Municipality, Board, or other entity of this state
- Valid student or employee ID from a public or private college or university in the State of Alabama (including postgraduate technical or professional schools)
- Digital student ID from a public or private college or university in the State of Alabama (including postgraduate technical or professional schools)
- Valid student or employee ID issued by a state institution of higher learning in any other state
- Digital student ID issued by a state institution of higher learning in any other state
- Valid Military ID
- Valid Tribal ID
- If no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast for an office, a runoff election will be held between the top two candidates on September 23.
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