Absentee voting is underway in Alabama for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election, with voters facing several deadlines to apply for and return absentee ballots.

The absentee voting period began Sept. 9, according to the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office.

County absentee election managers must receive mail-in absentee ballot applications by Oct. 27. Voters who submit their applications in person have until Oct. 29.

Absentee ballots returned in person must be received by the county absentee election manager by close of business Nov. 2, the day before the election. Ballots returned by mail must be received no later than noon on Election Day, Nov. 3.

Voters are encouraged to mail absentee ballot applications and completed absentee ballots at least two weeks before the applicable deadline to allow enough time for delivery.

Alabama voters are required to present a valid form of photo identification when voting at their polling place or by absentee ballot.

More information about absentee voting in Alabama, including an absentee ballot application, is available at www.AlabamaVotes.gov.