Alabama voters head to the polls for the 2026 midterm elections, with races for governor, Congress, the Legislature, and other state and local offices on the ballot. Follow this live blog for updates from across the state, developments at polling places and results as they come in tonight.
Polls are open until 7 p.m. One closely watched contest is Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, which Sabato’s Crystal Ball shifted from “Toss-up” to “Leans Democrat” in its final forecast before Election Day.
Our reporters will update this page throughout the day and evening. Check back for the latest news, results and reaction, and catch up on our election coverage so far.
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Live updates
7:31 PM CST
Democrats lead in first trickle of returns; top races way too early to call
The first votes are in, and Democrats Doug Jones, Everett Wess and Phillip Ensler hold early leads in the races for governor, U.S. Senate and lieutenant governor, respectively, according to early results.
Only a tiny share of the vote has been counted, and all three races remain too early to call. No votes have been reported yet in the closely watched 2nd Congressional District race between U.S. Representative Shomari Figures and state Representative Rhett Marques.
A reminder: The first returns reflect whichever areas report fastest. They don’t necessarily tell us where these races are headed.
Key update7:00 PM CST
Polls have closed in Alabama
It’s 7 p.m., and polls have closed across Alabama. If you’re still in line, stay there—you have the right to cast your ballot.
Now comes the counting. We’ll bring you results, updates from our reporters at watch parties and reaction from across the state throughout the evening. Keep checking back, and remember: Early returns may tell only part of the story.
6:58 PM CST
Voting machine issues resolved at three Lowndes County locations
Voting machine issues in Burkeville, Hayneville and Whitehall have been resolved, nonprofit Alabama Values reports.
The organization cited Lowndes County Probate Judge LaShandra Myrick, who said all machines at the affected polling places were working again after some experienced paper jams. Ballots placed in emergency slots will be hand-fed into the machines after polls close.
Alabama Values encouraged anyone experiencing problems at the polls to call the Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
6:44 PM CST
From APR’s Jacob Holmes at Tuberville’s watch party
With half an hour to go before polls close, Officer Hutch—the dog—has arrived with the K-9 unit to sweep the press room at Tommy Tuberville’s watch party.
We’re now confined to this room until Tuberville makes his speech. We’re estimating that will be around 9 p.m. or later, depending on how tight the race is.
6:08 PM CST
ACLU reports ICE activity near Albertville polling place
The ACLU of Alabama says Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were spotted patrolling near a polling place in Albertville.
According to the organization, two agents conducted what it described as a facial scan of a nearby street vendor, then followed and detained a witness who tried to photograph the encounter.
The ACLU said the witness was later released after showing proof of U.S. citizenship.
Key update6:03 PM CST
APR's Jacob Holmes will have updates from Tuberville's camp
I’m now inside the press area at Tommy Tuberville’s election night watch party. I’ll have updates from here as the evening unfolds.
From inside Tommy Tuberville's watch party. Officials in this update
5:46 PM CST
GOP urges straight-ticket voting in Election Day text
A Republican text urged voters Tuesday to cast a straight Republican ticket in an Election Day text message.
“Push back against the blue wave - VOTE RED!” the message read. "Vote STRAIGHT Republican!"
The text also reminded recipients that polls close at 7 p.m.
Republican text graphic 5:46 PM CST
Montgomery turnout reaches 43 percent as after-work crowd arrives
Montgomery County turnout has reached 43 percent, with nearly 70,000 ballots cast—an increase of almost 20,000 in less than two hours.
The after-work crowd is just arriving, and lines have formed again at several precincts.
4:49 PM CST
From APR’s Jacob Holmes at Tuberville’s watch party
I’ve arrived at the hotel for Tommy Tuberville’s election night watch party, but they’re not letting the press in until 6 p.m. I’ll have updates from inside once the doors open.
Outside Senator Tommy Tuberville's election watch party in Auburn, Alabama. Officials in this update
Key update4:22 PM CST
A turnout pattern is taking shape—but there’s still time on the clock
Scrolling through news reports this afternoon, a pattern is taking shape: Several of Alabama’s largest counties, with substantial Democratic populations, are seeing strong turnout. They’re surpassing 2022 levels, and some look likely to blow past 2018 levels, too.
Jefferson County is on pace to surpass 50 percent turnout, which could mean around 75,000 more votes for governor than in 2022. Montgomery’s turnout is surprising even local officials. It was already around 35 percent as of 3:30 p.m., and Probate Judge JC Love said the late-day surge—typically the busiest stretch—could push turnout to around 60 percent. That would rival Obama-era levels.
Madison County is also exceeding 2022 levels. Yellowhammer News reported that Doug Jones’ hometown of Mountain Brook had surpassed its 2018 turnout and, as of 3 p.m., was nearing the total vote count recorded in 2022.
Meanwhile, reliably Republican counties, including Marshall, Morgan, Limestone, Cullman and Winston, are reporting slightly lower turnout figures than in 2022. Yellowhammer reported that Marshall County officials expected final turnout of 30 to 35 percent, down from 37.5 percent in 2022.
A word of caution, though: There’s still time on the clock. Afternoon turnout reports can help us make educated guesses, but those guesses can be way off. The late-day rush, weather and other factors can change the picture—and turnout alone doesn’t tell us who’s getting those votes.
3:54 PM CST
Barry Moore’s election night event to stream live
U.S. Representative Barry Moore’s election night event in Enterprise will begin at 8 p.m. Central Tuesday, according to a media advisory.
The advisory bills the gathering as a “victory party” and invites those who cannot attend to watch via livestream on YouTube.
Officials in this update
3:41 PM CST
Alabama A&M students, alumni march to the polls
Alabama A&M University students and alumni marched to the polls at noon Tuesday, walking from the campus quad to an on-campus polling site at Elmore Gymnasium.
Ahead of the march, the From the Hill Podcast, which covers A&M campus life and athletics, encouraged students to review candidates and highlighted A&M alumni running for public office.
Andrew Sneed, the Democratic nominee for Alabama’s 5th Congressional District, and Jason Jones, an A&M alumnus running for Madison County district judge, Place 4, attended the march.
3:34 PM CST
Etowah County turnout estimated at 22 to 30 percent
Etowah County Probate Judge Scott Hassell estimated voter turnout at 22 to 30 percent as of 3 p.m.
City Clerk Cassandra “Sam” Johnson projected final turnout of 45 to 50 percent. Johnson said absentee ballots were up 40 percent compared with the 2022 midterms.
3:04 PM CST
Montgomery County turnout reaches 30 percent
Montgomery County turnout reached 30 percent as of 2:30 p.m., with nearly 50,000 ballots cast. The day’s heaviest turnout is expected between 3:30 p.m. and the close of polls at 7 p.m.
Remember: Voters in line when polls close have the right to cast their ballots.
Voters can report election-related issues to the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office at 800-274-8683. For nonpartisan assistance with voting questions or problems at the polls, call the Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
2:26 PM CST
Montgomery County turnout tops 22 percent by lunchtime
Montgomery County surpassed 22 percent voter turnout by lunchtime Tuesday and appeared on track to exceed 50 percent, Probate Judge JC Love said.
Love said that would double turnout in the 2022 midterms and surpass the 2018 level. He cited 60 percent as the threshold for turnout comparable to elections involving former President Barack Obama.
Montgomery County is part of Alabama’s closely watched 2nd Congressional District, making turnout there a key factor in the race.
Officials in this update
