Registering to vote only took me 3 minutes. Are you ready for Election Day?

As someone who recently moved to Birmingham, registering to vote was one of the first things on my mind. Luckily for me, I arrived well before Aug. 26—the next election—so deadlines aren’t going to be an issue for me. 

I registered to vote on my phone, and it took me 3 minutes and 24 seconds. Yes, I timed it!

Registering to vote is quick and easy, and it gives you a say in important decisions being made where you live, whether it be in the Greater Birmingham area or beyond. Here’s what you should know to get ready for the next Election Day. 

Double check that you’re registered

Even if you think you are registered to vote, now is a great time to check on that. You never know what kind of bureaucratic hiccups might pop up. 

Checking your voter registration status is simple. Here’s what to do:

1. Visit the official website to check registration status in Alabama, myinfo.alabamavotes.gov. 
2. Input your first name, last name and date of birth, then tap the “Look up” button. 
3. If you have ever registered to vote in Alabama, your name and the address you registered with should appear. This page will include the status of your registration—if it says “Inactive,” it’s time to update your registration.

If that sounds like a trudge, you can also call your local Board of Registrar’s office to check your status.

You can also check your polling place on myinfo.alabamavotes.gov by inputting your residential address in the indicated field. 

How do I register?

There are often several opportunities to register while filling out other state or municipal forms, such as USPS Change of Address forms, so keep an eye out for those. (Just remember to check on your registration later!)

One of the easiest ways to register is through the Secretary of State’s online form, which is how I chose to register. 

You’ll need an Alabama Driver’s License or Non-Driver’s ID to do it online. If you don’t have either of those, you’ll need to fill out the physical form below.

If you’re more of a pen-and-paper person, you can print out the Alabama Voter Registration Form and mail it to your local Board of Registrars. Tap here to figure out where your county’s office is. 

You can request for the state to send you the form by filling out the form here. 

What do I do to get an absentee ballot?

Many people can’t make it to Election Day in-person—whether it be because of a handicap, attending a university out of town or your job’s hours interfering with polling times—but there is a way to still make your vote count.

Each county Board of Elections has its own form to request provisional ballots. Tap here to get your county’s form. 

Keep in mind that you need to do this well before the election in which you’re casting a ballot. Absentee ballot applications delivered by mail must be received by the Absentee Election Manager for your county at least 7 days before the election. If you want to give it to the office in person, it needs to be delivered at least 5 days in advance. 

I don’t have a Driver’s License. How do I get a voter photo ID?

Come Election Day, you’ll have to present a photo ID to get your ballot at your polling place. If you need to request a free voter ID, tap here to learn more. 

Any questions we didn’t answer? Get in touch with me by emailing maryhelene@bhamnow.com, and we’ll figure it out! 

Are you registered to vote? Let us know by tagging @bhamnow on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.