Alabama voters headed to the polls Tuesday for a rare election cycle featuring open races for both governor and the U.S. Senate, but turnout remained largely flat compared to four years ago.

According to unofficial results from the Alabama Secretary of State’s office, 879,381 ballots were cast in the 2026 primary election, representing 23.11% of the state’s more than 3.8 million registered voters. In comparison, 851,684 voters participated in Alabama’s 2022 primary election for a turnout rate of 23.4%.

The nearly unchanged turnout came despite the absence of two longtime statewide incumbents from the ballot. Governor Kay Ivey is term-limited after serving two full terms, while U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) opted not to seek reelection to his Senate seat, instead choosing to seek the Governor’s office. These events created a crowded Republican primary field in both races.

While turnout remained relatively steady statewide, several of Alabama’s largest metro counties trailed smaller rural counties in voter participation.

According to unofficial county results from the Secretary of State’s office, Jefferson County reported turnout of 18.74%, while Mobile County reached 17.82% and Madison County posted 20.53%. Meanwhile, counties such as Coffee, Covington and Morgan all exceeded 24% turnout.

According to unofficial results from the Alabama Secretary of State’s office, Alabama cast nearly 29,000 more primary ballots this year than in 2022. However, the state’s voter rolls also grew by more than 166,000 registered voters during that period, causing turnout as a percentage of registered voters to remain relatively flat.

The unofficial results suggest Alabama’s smaller rural counties once again turned out at stronger rates than many of the state’s largest metro areas, continuing a pattern seen in statewide primary elections. Final certified results remain subject to review by each county’s probate judge.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].