ELECTIONS

When is Alabama's primary election? Everything you need to know to vote May 24

Amber Roberson
The Tuscaloosa News

Note to readers: This story has been updated to reflect that absentee ballots must be obtained and returned to your local Absentee Election Manager.

Alabama's 2022 election cycle will begin with the state's primary election on May 24. 

The primary will set the stage for November's general election, which will include offices of Governor, U.S. Senator, Attorney General, Secretary of State and other state and local offices. 

The primary ballot will also include a statewide constitutional amendment measure, which would allow the state to borrow up to $85 million to benefit Alabama’s state parks, public historical sites and public historical parks. 

Following the primary, if a runoff is required, it will take place on June 21. 

Here's everything you need to know to cast your ballot on Election Day. 

Who can vote in Alabama's primary? 

Alabama voters must meet the following criteria in order to register to vote: 

  • You must be a citizen of the United States.
  • You must live in the State of Alabama.
  • You must be at least 18 years of age on or before election day.
  • You must not be barred from voting by reason of a disqualifying felony conviction.
  • You must not have been judged "mentally incompetent" in a court of law.

Voters must designate a political party preference when voting in a primary election. If a political party is not declared, voters are issued an issues-only ballot, according to the Alabama Secretary of State. 

How to register to vote in Alabama's primary 

Voters can register to vote online at alabamavotes.gov, or print and return the voter registration form by mail. 

You can also register to vote in person at your local Board of Registrars office.

All voters who intend to cast a ballot in the May 24 primary must be registered by May 9.

Do I need an ID to vote in the Alabama primary? 

Yes. Alabama's voter ID law went into effect in 2014, which requires one of the following forms of photo ID to cast your ballot: 

  • Valid Alabama Driver’s License (not expired or has been expired less than 60 Days)
  • Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Digital Driver’s License
  • Valid Alabama Nondriver ID (not expired or has been expired less than 60 Days)
  • Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Digital Nondriver ID
  • Valid Alabama Photo Voter ID Card
  • Valid State-Issued ID (Alabama or any other state)
  • Examples » Valid Pistol Permit (Photo Required) » Valid AL Movement/Booking Sheet from Prison/ Jail System (Photo Required) » Valid AL Department of Corrections Release - Temporary ID (Photo Required)
  • Valid Federal-Issued ID
  • Valid US Passport
  • Valid Employee ID from Federal Government, State of Alabama, County, Municipality, Board, or other entity of this state
  • Valid student or employee ID from a public or private college or university in the State of Alabama (including postgraduate technical or professional schools)
  • Valid student or employee ID issued by a state institution of higher learning in any other state
  • Valid Military ID
  • Valid Tribal ID

Anyone who does not have one of the above forms of photo ID can obtain a free Alabama photo voter ID card or nondriver ID card for voting purposes. 

Is absentee voting available for the May 24 primary? 

Yes. 

Those who prefer to vote via absentee ballot must apply for an absentee ballot by mail by May 17, or in person at your local Absentee Election Manager by May 19. 

Absentee ballots may be hand-delivered to the local Absentee Election Manager by May 23. Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by noon on May 24. 

Absentee Voting: Contacts and application forms by county 

What will be on the ballot in Tuscaloosa County? 

The Republican ballot for Tuscaloosa County includes: 

  • Governor
  • U.S. Senator
  • Attorney General
  • State Representative, District No. 61
  • Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Place 5
  • Secretary of State
  • State Auditor
  • Public Service Commission, Places 1 and 2
  • State Republican Executive Committee, Tuscaloosa County, Places 1 and 8
  • Statewide Amendment 1

Sample Ballot: Tuscaloosa County Republican ballot

The Democratic ballot for Tuscaloosa County includes: 

  • Governor
  • U.S. Senator
  • U.S. Representative, 4th Congressional District
  • State Representative, District No. 72
  • State Democratic Executive Committee (Female), Districts 2, 3, 4, 16, 61, 63, 70 and 71
  • Tuscaloosa County Democratic Executive Committee (Male), Districts 1, 2, 3 and 4
  • Statewide Amendment 1 

Sample Ballot: Tuscaloosa County Democratic ballot

Sample ballots for additional Alabama counties can be found at the Alabama Secretary of State's website.