By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Today, October 24, 2016, is the last day to mail in your voter registration and be able to participate in the November 8 General Election. You must have the form filled out and the registration postmarked with today’s date to meet the deadline.
Sunday, October 23 at 5:00 pm was the last day to hand deliver a voter registration form.
Only American citizens are allowed to participate in American elections; but the proof of citizenship requirement to register to vote has been blocked by the federal courts.
Thursday, November 3 at 5:00 pm is the last day for voter to make an “application for an absentee ballot” for this election.
Monday, November 7 at 5:00 pm is the last day to hand deliver or postmark an absentee ballot.
Polls will open at 7:00 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 and close at 7:00 pm on that same day. You must vote at the polling location that you have been assigned. If you do not know where you are supposed to vote contact your local Board of Registrars office. There is no early voting in Alabama. Alabama’s highest voter turnout is on presidential elections so expect long lines.
Voters in Alabama must present a valid photo ID in order to vote. If you do not have a valid photo ID, your local Board of Registrars can provide you with a free voter ID. Contact the Alabama Secretary of State’s office for assistance or for more information. The most common form of photo ID is a driver’s license. Make sure that your driver’s license is not expired. Forms of photo ID accepted at the polls include valid: driver’s license; Alabama photo voter ID card; state issued ID (any state); federal issued ID; US passport; employee ID from Federal Government, State of Alabama, County, Municipality, Board, or other entity of this state; student or employee ID from a public or private college or university in the State of Alabama (including postgraduate technical or professional schools); Military ID; or Tribal ID.
A number of groups have challenged Alabama’s photo ID law as being discrimatory.
In addition to the Presidential race, voters in Alabama also pick their next US Senator, their Congress members, and a number of other state and local officials. There are also fourteen statewide constitutional amendments on this year’s ballot.
