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Alabamians will head to the polls tomorrow for mid-term elections that will decide the state’s next U.S. Senator, Governor and more.
Here’s what you need to know about voting in mid-term elections:
When is the election?
The election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
It’s called a “mid-term” election since it takes place in the middle of a presidential term and includes Congressional races that can determine the makeup of the upcoming U.S. House and Senate.
Where do I vote?
You can go here to locate your polling place.
What races are on the ballot
There are several federal and statewide races on the ballot, including
U.S. Senate
Will Boyd (D), Katie Britt (R ) and John Sophocleus (L). The winner will replace retiring Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby.
Congress
- District 1 – Jerry Carl (R, incumbent), Alexander Remrey (L)
- District 2 – Barry Moore (R, incumbent), Phyllis Harvey-Hall (D), and Jonathan Realz (L)
- District 3 – Mike Rogers (R, incumbent), Lin Veasey (D), Thomas Casson (L), and Douglas Bell (I)
- District 4 – Robert Aderholt (R, incumbent), Rick Neighbors (D) and Johnny Cochran (L)
- District 5 – Kathy Warner-Stanton (D), Dale Strong ( R) and P.J. Greer (L). The winner will replace Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Huntsville, who did not seek reelection to his House seat.
- District 6 – Gary Palmer (R, incumbent), Andria Chieffo (L)
- District 7 – Terri Sewell (D, incumbent), Beatrice Nichols ( R) and Gavin Goodman (L).
Governor
Kay Ivey (R, incumbent), Yolanda Flowers (D), James Blake (L).
Other state executive races on the ballot include Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, four seats on the State Board of Education, Agriculture Commissioner and two places on the Public Service Commission. You can see more on those races here.
Various State Senate and House races, judge posts and county offices will be on county ballots.
What do the polls show?
You can go here to see what the latest polls show regarding Alabama races.
Constitutional amendments
There are 10 Constitutional amendments on the ballot. You can see more on that here.
You are not required to vote on constitutional amendments and can leave them blank if you choose.
Who are my elected officials?
You can locate your state and federal officials here.
Sample ballots
You can go here for sample ballots for your county.
Can I take a marked sample ballot into the poll?
Yes, you can take a marked sample ballot into the polling place but you can’t distribute it to others and they should not be left on site.
Can candidates campaign outside the polling place?
Yes, as long as they remain 30 feet away from the door of the building where the polling place is located.
Alabama has crossover voting rules. Do those apply?
Crossover voting rules apply only to primary and primary runoffs. The rules prevent you from voting in one party’s primary and then “crossing over” to vote in another party’s runoff. It does not apply to the general election and there are no limits on voting for candidates from a variety of parties if you choose.
Is it too late to register to vote?
Yes, it is too late to register to vote for the Nov. 8 election. Voter registration is open all year except the 13 days prior to an election and on election day. If you’re not registered and want to do so before the next election, you can go to alabamavotes.gov.
Do I have to declare a political party when I register?
No. Alabama does not have a party registration law.
What do I have to have to vote?
Alabama requires voters to have photo identification to vote. This ID can include a valid Alabama driver’s license, non-driver ID, a free Alabama photo voter ID, pistol permit, U.S. passport and more.
You can go here to see the complete list of acceptable ID.
READ MORE: Election 2022: Alabama Libertarians look to play spoiler, and win ballot retention
What happens if I don’t have ID?
A voter without ID can vote a regular ballot as long as their name appears on the official voters list and they are positively identified by two election officials. If they don’t have valid ID and can’t be identified by two election officials, they can cast a provisional ballot. You can see more on provisional ballots here.
I’m disabled or over 70. Do I have to stand inline to vote?
A polling official may allow a voter who is physically disabled or over the age of 70 to move to the front of the line upon request.
Can I bring my cell phone into the polling place? Can I take photographs?
Yes, you can take your cell phone into the polling place as long as you don’t disturb others. You can also take photographs in your polling place but only of your own ballot. Taking other photographs within the polling place is not allowed.
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