Absentee voting is now underway for Alabama’s November 3, 2026, general election, according to the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office.

The start of absentee voting comes Wednesday, September 9. Voters who qualify to vote absentee may request and return ballots through their county’s absentee election manager, usually the county circuit clerk.

Mail-in absentee ballot applications must be received by the county absentee election manager no later than Tuesday, October 27. Applications returned in person must be received by Thursday, October 29.

Absentee ballots returned in person must reach the absentee election manager by the close of business on Monday, November 2.

The Secretary of State’s Office notes that the deadline is no later than 5 p.m. that day.

Ballots returned by mail must be received by noon on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.

Alabama election officials recommend mailing applications and completed ballots at least two weeks before the applicable deadline.

Voters submitting an absentee ballot application must include a copy of valid photo identification. The Secretary of State’s Office also says voters must present valid photo identification when voting at a polling place or by absentee ballot.

The state’s official election calendar lists September 9 as the date absentee ballots and supplies begin to be delivered for the general election.

Additional information, including absentee ballot applications and county absentee election manager contact information, is available through the Secretary of State’s Alabama Votes election resources.

Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].