Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen is urging voters to be mindful of approaching absentee voting deadlines ahead of the May 2026 primary election, emphasizing the importance of early action to ensure ballots are counted.

County absentee election managers must receive mail-in absentee ballot applications by Tuesday, May 12. Voters who choose to return applications in person have until Thursday, May 14 to do so.

Deadlines for returning completed absentee ballots follow shortly after. Ballots delivered in person must be received by the close of business on May 18, 2026, the day before the election. Mailed absentee ballots must arrive no later than noon on Election Day, May 19, to be counted.

State officials recommend submitting both applications and completed ballots at least two weeks before the applicable deadlines to account for mail delivery times and avoid disqualification.

Alabama law requires voters to present a valid photo ID when voting, whether at a polling place or by absentee ballot. Acceptable forms of identification include government-issued photo IDs such as a driver’s license or passport.

Absentee voting is commonly used by voters who are unable to appear at their polling place on Election Day due to travel, illness or other qualifying reasons. Election officials encourage voters to review eligibility requirements and submission procedures in advance to prevent delays.

Additional information, including absentee ballot applications and detailed voting guidelines, is available at www.AlabamaVotes.gov.