Alabama voters planning to cast absentee ballots in the May 19, 2026, election should be aware of several approaching deadlines.
County absentee election managers must receive mail-in absentee ballot applications by Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Voters who return an absentee ballot application in person have until Thursday, May 14, 2026.
The deadlines are different for returning the ballots themselves.
Absentee ballots returned in person must be received by the county absentee election manager by the close of business Monday, May 18, 2026, the day before the election. Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received no later than noon on Election Day, Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
The Alabama secretary of state’s office recommends that voters mail absentee ballot applications and completed absentee ballots at least two weeks before the applicable deadline to help ensure they arrive on time.
Voters must present a valid form of photo identification when voting in person at their polling place or by absentee ballot.
More information about absentee voting in Alabama, including absentee ballot applications, is available at AlabamaVotes.gov.
