Alabama voters heading to the polls in upcoming elections will need to present a valid physical photo ID before casting a ballot in person.

A news release from the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office said the reminder is intended to help voters avoid delays or issues on Election Day while reinforcing Alabama’s longstanding voter identification requirements.

Under Alabama Code Section 17-9-30, all voters must present an approved form of photo identification before voting in person. According to the Secretary of State’s Office, the requirements are designed to help maintain election security while ensuring eligible voters can participate in the election process.

Secretary of State Wes Allen said Alabama has some of the strictest voter ID laws in the country.

“My record on photo voter identification requirements is very clear. I have worked hard to ensure that Alabama has some of the most airtight voter ID laws in the nation, and I am proud of the work our State has done to limit voter fraud and protect the integrity of our elections,” Allen said in the release. “Strict enforcement of photo voter ID laws are a commonsense way to help guarantee that Alabama elections remain secure, transparent, and accountable.”

According to the release, residents must be registered to vote in Alabama before the voter registration deadline established for a particular election.

Officials said acceptable forms of identification include a valid Alabama driver license that is not expired or expired less than 60 days, a non-driver ID card, an Alabama Photo Voter ID card, a state-issued ID from Alabama or another state, a U.S. passport, military ID or tribal ID.

The Secretary of State’s Office also said several other forms of identification are accepted, including certain Alabama Department of Corrections temporary release IDs or booking sheets containing a photograph, pistol permits with photos, federal employee IDs and employee IDs issued by state, county or municipal governments. Student or employee IDs issued by Alabama colleges and universities, including postgraduate technical and professional schools, are also accepted.

According to the release, voters must present a physical form of photo identification at the polls. Digital driver licenses and other electronic forms of identification are not accepted for voting purposes in Alabama.

The Secretary of State’s Office also reminded voters that Alabama law does not allow driver licenses or identification cards issued to foreign nationals to be used for voting purposes, even if those IDs were issued by the state. Officials said individuals who later become naturalized U.S. citizens may need to obtain a new qualifying ID before voting.

Voters who do not have an acceptable photo ID may obtain a free Alabama Photo Voter ID card through their local Board of Registrars office or through the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office, according to the release. Officials said properly registered voters may request a free voter ID card even on Election Day.

Additional information, including a downloadable Photo Voter ID application and an informational video about Alabama’s voter ID requirements, is available at www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/voter-id.