Reviewed by: Sarah Gronberg
Everything you need to know about voting in Birmingham for the Primary Election on March 5
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Exercising your right to vote has never been more crucial, so stay informed and make your voice heard. Make sure you’re ready for the upcoming Primary Election in Alabama by checking out our gathered resources, deadlines and essential information put together with the help of Jefferson County.
Plus—keep reading to find out what voters affected by the congressional district change need to know.
Alabama’s Primary Election—March 5
As we have turned our calendars to 2024, the Primary Election is coming up on March 5. People can start voting early with absentee ballots now.
Follow the steps below to apply for an absentee ballot:
- Fill out this form online.
- Print the form.
- Include a copy of your valid photo identification.
- Mail to the office of the Absentee Election Manager for your county. The address and contact info are as follows:
Birmingham Division:
- Phone: (205) 325-5313
Bessemer Division:
- Phone: (205) 497-8510
Register to vote in Birmingham
Registration is the starting point. If you’re a new voter or need to update your registration for any reason (i.e. if you’ve moved, gotten married or had any other status change), you have a few registration options.
In order to be eligible to vote, there are certain qualifications. You must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen
- Live in the State of Alabama
- Be at least 18 years of age on or before Election Day
- Not be barred from voting by reason of a disqualifying felony conviction
- Have not been judged “mentally incompetent” in a court of law
3 ways to register in Birmingham
1. In Person
You may register or update your voter record at a Courthouse or Jefferson County Library. Find a location near you at this link.
2. Mail-In
Fill out this form online, then download and print it. Mail your completed form to your county’s Board of Registrars. For Jefferson County, the mailing address is as follows:
716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd. Suite A-410
Birmingham, Alabama 35203-0115
Don’t have a printer? Fill out this quick form to have a voter registration packet mailed to you. Fill it out by hand and send it back to the address listed above.
3. Online
If you have a valid Alabama Driver’s License or valid Alabama Non-Driver’s Identification card, you can register online. Just follow this link to get started.
Changes in voting districts in Jefferson County
One way Jefferson County is getting ready for the 2024 Primary Election is by informing voters about shifts in their voting district due to the Congressional District change.
“In late fall, the federal court decision to change congressional districts in Alabama had a significant impact on Jefferson County. While much attention was given to creating a new district in South Alabama, the population redistribution process resulted in approximately 88,000 voters being moved between Congressional Districts Six and Seven, both located in Jefferson County.”
Barry Stephenson, Jefferson County Board of Registrars, Chairman
To ensure the voter notification changes would not get lost in holiday mail, the county held off until mid January to send out voter notifications cards. After MLK Day, all 88,000 voters affected by the congressional district change will receive a card with information about where their voting precinct is and what districts they’re in at every level.
Important deadlines for the 2024 Primary Election
Mark your calendars with these important dates below:
- February 16—Last day to hand-deliver voter registration forms
- February 17—Last day to postmark voter registration forms
- February 19—Last day to register to vote electronically
- February 27—Last day to apply for an absentee ballot to mail
- February 29—Last day to apply for an absentee ballot in person
- March 4—Last day to hand-deliver absentee ballot
- March 5—Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by noon
Knowing your polling location is crucial and easy to find. Follow this link to begin. Once you are registered, you can search by voter information.
If you’re not yet registered or need to update your information, you can search by residence address. Find a full list of Jefferson County polling locations here.
What to bring
Lastly, be sure to arrive with a valid form of identification. Options include the following valid documents:
- Alabama driver’s license or non-driver ID card
- Alabama photo voter ID card
- State-issued ID (from Alabama or another state)
- Federal-issued ID
- U.S. passport
- Employee ID from the Federal Government, State of Alabama, County, Municipality, Board or other Alabama entity
- Student or employee ID card issued by a college or university in the state, provided it includes a photo
- U.S. military ID card containing a photo
- Tribal ID card containing a photo
Voting is vital, Birmingham. Be sure you’re prepared! If you have more questions, check out more important voting information.
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