Alabama's general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026; polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Register by Oct. 19. Absentee rules, photo ID and Jefferson County contacts.

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. Facts on this page come from the Alabama Secretary of State, including the 2026 Voter Guide (PDF). This page is factual only; Homewood Daily does not endorse candidates.

Alabama’s general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Polling places are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; anyone who tries to join the line after 7 p.m. will not be allowed to vote. The registration deadline is Monday, Oct. 19.

Who to call

  • Jefferson County Board of Registrars (registration, voter ID cards, polling place): 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Suite A-410, Birmingham, 205-325-5550
  • Alabama Secretary of State, Elections Division: 1-800-274-8683
  • Check your registration and polling place: My Voter Info
  • Absentee Election Manager for Jefferson County: the state’s lookup page

Key dates for Nov. 3

Date Deadline
Monday, Oct. 19 Voter registration deadline
Tuesday, Oct. 27 Last day to apply for an absentee ballot by mail (application must be received)
Thursday, Oct. 29 Last day to apply for an absentee ballot in person
Monday, Nov. 2 Last day to hand-deliver an absentee ballot, by 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 3 Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by noon; polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Source: 2026 Voter Guide, page 1. Military and overseas voters have different rules; see the Secretary of State’s UOCAVA page.

Registering

Registration is open all year except during the 14 days before an election and on Election Day. You can register three ways:

  • Online: the state’s electronic application, submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline.
  • By mail: print the Alabama voter registration form (PDF) and mail it to the Jefferson County Board of Registrars, postmarked by the deadline.
  • In person: at the Board of Registrars by close of business on the deadline.

The same form updates a change of name or address. Once you are registered, the Board of Registrars mails you a voter identification card showing your polling place and districts. You do not need to bring the card to vote.

Early voting and absentee ballots

Alabama’s voter guide lists no early voting period. Instead, a voter may vote absentee if they:

  • expect to be away from the county on Election Day;
  • are ill or have a physical infirmity that keeps them from the polling place;
  • live outside the county as a registered Alabama voter, including students, members of the armed forces and their families, and citizens overseas;
  • are an election officer or poll watcher at another polling place;
  • have a required work shift of at least 10 hours that overlaps polling hours;
  • are a caregiver for a family member confined to home; or
  • are in jail or prison and have not been convicted of a disqualifying felony.

Apply on the county absentee application or the state’s generic form (PDF), and send it to the Absentee Election Manager. Track your ballot on My Voter Info. A medical emergency or an unforeseen work requirement within five days of the election qualifies for an emergency absentee ballot, which must be back by noon on Election Day.

Photo ID at the polls

You must show a photo ID. Accepted IDs include a driver’s license or non-driver ID (current or expired less than 60 days), an Alabama photo voter ID, a state-issued ID from any state, a federal ID, a U.S. passport, a government employee ID, a student or employee ID from a public or private college in Alabama, a military ID or a tribal ID. See the state’s photo voter ID page for the full list. Registered voters with none of these can get a free Alabama photo voter ID; download the application (PDF).

At the polling place

  • You may take a cellphone in, as long as you do not disturb other voters.
  • You may photograph only your own ballot.
  • If you are not on the list at a polling place, poll workers will call the Board of Registrars to check where you are eligible to vote.

City elections

Homewood elects a mayor and a City Council by ward. The 2025 city election results are on the city’s elections page, and the city’s ward map shows which ward you live in. For polling places in a city election, the state voter guide says to contact the city clerk’s office. See our who to call at City Hall guide.

Frequently asked questions

When is the 2026 general election in Alabama?

Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and anyone who tries to join the line after 7 p.m. may not vote, the Alabama Secretary of State says.

What is the deadline to register to vote in Alabama for the November 2026 election?

Oct. 19, 2026. Registration closes for the 14 days before an election. Online registrations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline, and mailed forms postmarked by then.

Does Alabama have early voting?

The state’s voter guide lists no early voting period. Voters who qualify can vote absentee; the last day to apply by mail for Nov. 3 is Oct. 27, and in person Oct. 29.

What ID do I need to vote in Alabama?

A photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID, U.S. passport or Alabama photo voter ID. The state issues a free photo voter ID to registered voters who have none.

Where do I vote in Homewood?

Your polling place is on the voter ID card mailed by the Jefferson County Board of Registrars, and you can look it up on the state’s My Voter Info site.