Voter Guide
Voting is one of the best efforts supporters of higher education have to keep our public colleges and universities moving forward. Higher education has a large voting block and is an important voice to reach decision-makers. This November, we have a special opportunity to move Alabama and higher education forward by voting for candidates who support higher education.
There is a lot of information related to voting. We wanted to present a voter guide to ensure you have the correct information before Election Day. We strive to provide all of the necessary information to help you make your voice heard. Remember, the last day to register is Oct. 21, 2024.
As you see candidates on campus campaigning for elected office, please take a moment and ask their position on higher education funding and if they will support your university.
Better yet, share with candidates for office why higher education is important to YOU!
Every vote matters, so be sure to make a point to vote on November 5!
- Gordon Stone, Executive Director
Important Dates
2024 General Election
Oct.
21
DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE.
ONLINE APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED AND MAIL IN APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN 10/24.
Oct.
29
LAST DAY TO APPLY FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT BY MAIL.
Nov.
4
LAST DAY FOR ABENSTEE VOTERS TO HAND-DELIVER AN ABSENTEE BALLOT. IT MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE ABSENTEE ELECTION MANAGER IN YOUR COUNTY BEFORE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON 11/4.
Nov.
5
GO VOTE!
CHECK YOUR POLLING PLACE AND HEAD TO THE POLLS.
*MAILED ABSENTEE BALLOTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE COUNTY NO LATER THAN NOON ON 11/5*
FAQ
01
Who Can Vote in Alabama?
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You must be a citizen of the United States
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You must currently reside in Alabama
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You must be at least 18 years old
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You do not have a disqualifying felony conviction
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You have not been declared mentally incompetent by a court
03
Where should I register to vote?
College students can choose to vote in either their home town or the county where they attend school, based on the location they consider their primary address. The Higher Education Partnership encourages students to register to vote in the county where they attend school to avoid having to vote by absentee ballot or driving to their home county on Election Day.
Remember you can only be registered in ONE location.
05
I'm an Out of State Student, Can I Still Vote?
Yes! Out of State students can register to vote in person in Alabama using the address where you currently reside, even if that is a dorm address. You will need to fill out the form on the Secretary of State's website and return it by mail to your County Election Officials.
07
How do I prepare for Election Day?
Make a plan to vote by researching what's on the ballot and confirming your polling place!
Find sample ballots for the 2022 General Election here.
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Confirm Your Registration and Polling Place here.
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Don't forget to snap a selfie with your "I voted" sticker for fun :)
02
How Do I Register to Vote?
Visit the Alabama Secretary of State Website to fill out the online registration form if you have a valid Alabama Driver’s License or Non-Driver’s License ID.
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Don’t have an Alabama ID? No worries! You can still register to vote via mail. The form can be downloaded and printed on the Secretary of State’s website.
04
I was registered to vote in Alabama before, what now?
If you were previously registered to vote in your Alabama hometown, you can choose to vote absentee or change your voter registration to the college town where you now live. Remember you can only be registered in ONE location.
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To change your registration, visit the Secretary of State's website here.
06
How do I Vote Absentee in Alabama?
If you choose to vote absentee in your home county, you must apply for an absentee ballot, which will be returned to you. Once you've filled out your absentee ballot, you can return it by mail or by hand. Absentee ballots must be received on time - so be sure to check the dates above and make a plan to vote early!
08
What Counts as a Photo ID?
Acceptable forms of photo ID include:
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Alabama Driver’s License
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Alabama Nondriver ID
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Alabama Photo Voter ID card
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State issued ID
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Federal issued ID
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U.S. Passport
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Employee ID from Federal Government, State of Alabama, County, Municipality, Board or other entity in Alabama
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Student or employee ID from a public or private college/university in Alabama
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Student or employee ID issued by a state institution of higher learning in any other state
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Military ID
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Tribal ID
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TYPES OF ELECTIONS
PREPARE FOR WHAT'S ON THE BALLOT
primary election:
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This election is held by the state’s two political parties to select each party’s nominee for the general election. The voter must choose which political party he or she would like to vote and will select the ballot for that party.
The Primary Election for statewide offices is held every four years in June, while the Primary Election for President is held in March.
A Primary Election Runoff may be necessary if no one receives a majority of the votes cast for a particular position. The runoff election is usually several weeks after the primary election.
general election:
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This election is held to determine which candidate will be chosen for state, federal, or local office after the conclusion of the primary elections.
Voters may choose candidates from any political party, but can only choose one candidate per office.
constitutional amendment election:​
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This election is held for voters to approve or reject amendments to the Alabama constitution. It is often associated with another type of election.
You can find the Statewide Ballot Measures, or Constitution Amendments that will be in the 2024 Elections here.
special election:​
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A special election is held to place specific issues on the ballot for voters or to fill a vacancy for certain types of elected offices.
municipal election:​
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Elections for municipal (think: local) office are held every 4 years. Municipal elections may include roles like the Mayor, School Board members, or City Council membersdepending on your town. Municipal elections are nonpartisan.To determine specific details related to municipal elections, contact the city clerk of your municipality.
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