3. A U.S. citizen who is a resident of Alabama. A person 18 years old or older.

4. A person who has been barred from voting due to a felony conviction.(If you have fulfilled all the terms of your sentence you can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility.) A person who has been declared mentally incompetent.

5. How Do I Register? You may obtain information on how to register by calling one of the offices below: Your County Board of Registrars. The ADMH Advocacy Program at 1-800-367-0955. The Secretary of State’s Office at 1-800-274-VOTE (8683).

6. Places you can register When applying/renewing your Driver’s license or ID card. At state offices when applying/renewing Aid to Dependent Children, Food Stamps, WIC, Medicaid, or Rehabilitation Services; At public libraries; At armed forces recruiting stations; Your county Board of Registrars; The mail-in form is available at Probate Judge and License Commissioner offices, colleges and universities, public schools, libraries, and the Secretary of States office or website.

7. What if I moved since the last election? When you permanently move out of the county in which you are registered, you must register in your new county. If you have temporarily left your home county to get treatment, you may vote by absentee ballot. When you permanently move from one part of the county to another, you must update your registration.

8. HELP! I Registered But I Have Not Voted Before. Don’t Worry! You will get a voter identification card in the mail saying you are registered. (If your application was not completely filled out, you will get a letter or telephone call asking you for more information.) If you do not receive this card within 2 weeks, you should contact your Registrar. Go to your assigned polling place on election day. (Check your voter identification card.) Ask someone to show you the voting process. (It varies by location.) Ask for assistance if you want, from the person of your choice. (You cannot ask for help from your employer, union representative or their agents.)

9. Remember to take your ID! It must be in the name of the voter and be valid and current. It can be any of the following: U.S. Government-issued photo ID. State-issued ID card. Any of the other 49 states issued ID card. Employee Photo ID. Voter’s utility bill. Bank statement. Government check. Paycheck. U.S. Passport. Hunting or Fishing License. Gun permit. U.S. Military ID. Birth certificate (certified copy). Social Security Card. Medicaid card. Medicare Card. EBT card. (For other forms of ID see your Voter Guide.)

10. Who Can Vote With An Absentee Ballot? A Voter Who: Will be absent from the county on election day. Is ill or has a physical disability that prevents a trip to the polling place. Is a registered Alabama voter living outside the county. Is an appointed Election Officer or Poll Watcher. Works a required shift, 10-hours or more, that coincides with polling hours. A Voter must meet the Deadline for filing an application for an absentee ballot. (Check the Deadline for each election.)

11. How Do I Apply For An Absentee Ballot? To obtain an absentee ballot, write or visit the local absentee election manager (usually the circuit clerk), request an absentee ballot, and provide the following: Name and residential address. Election for which you are requesting the ballot. Reason for absence from polls on election day. It is not necessary for you to state any reason other than that you will be out of the county on election day. For a party primary election, party choice must be stated. Address to where ballot should be mailed. Voter signature (If a mark is made instead of a signature it must be witnessed). The application must be returned to the absentee election manager by the voter in person or by U.S. Mail. Check the Deadline for filing an application for an absentee ballot before each election.

12. What Is Business/Medical Emergency Voting? Applications for emergency voting can be made after the absentee deadline but no later than 5:00 PM on the day before the election, if the voter: Is required by an employer under unforeseen circumstances to be out of the county on election day for an emergency business trip and did not know prior to the absentee ballot application deadline. Has a medical emergency requiring treatment from a licensed physician. (The physician must certify the situation as an emergency.)

13. WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! An Absentee Ballot cannot be counted if the signature on the affidavit is not notarized or signed by two witnesses! It will not be counted if it is mailed in the same envelope with another ballot. Follow the instructions carefully!

14. I AM AFRAID THAT… I will not be able to get into the polling place. Before Election Day, call your Probate Judge’s Office to determine if your voting place is accessible. If it is not, ask the Probate Judge to change your voting place. I might not be able to read the ballot, operate the machine, understand what to do… Take someone of your choice with you to help you or ask a poll worker for assistance! The poll workers are there to serve the citizens and ensure a fair election. (You cannot ask for help from your employer, union representative or their agents.)

15. Okay, But What Do I Do If … I am not allowed to vote. They do not give me an accessible location or way of voting. I have problems that are keeping me from voting. On Election Day, while you are having these problems call your local Probate Judge’s Office. If you are unable to resolve your problem there, call the Secretary of State’s Office at 1-800-274- VOTE (8683).

16. Facts About Your VOTE Each citizen gets one ballot. How you cast your ballot is your decision. Each vote is very important because it helps decide who will lead our city, county, state, and nation. Each voter has a duty to carefully consider each of the candidates. The people elected make decisions which affect each of us. We should vote for people who we believe can do a good job. You can choose to keep your vote a secret. You do not have to tell anyone.

17. If You Wish To Be A Responsible Voter, You Should: Educate yourself about the candidates and the offices for which they are running. Vote for the candidate of your choice. Ask questions if you do not understand. Ask for assistance if you need or want it. Respect the privacy of others.