2024 Legislative Summary for October

From Representative Matt Simpson, Chairman of the Baldwin County Legislative Delegation

One of the most important events in your life as an American is swiftly approaching: Election Day.

Americans have been gathering at the polls since the very first presidential election in 1789.

This November, we head to the polls again to choose our 47^th president. It is your right and your duty as an American citizen to take part in the democratic process.

Here is everything you need to know to be ready.

When is the next election?

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024

What is on the ballot?

While the national race between for president has received the most attention, there are several other national, state and local races taking place that day. This includes the race for U.S. Representative for the 1^st Congressional District, Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, circuit and district court judges, the state board of education and the Baldwin County Board of Education, among others.

When is the last day to register to vote?    

The last day you can register to vote and be allowed to vote in the Nov. 5 election is Monday, Oct. 21.

Am I eligible to vote?

The right to vote is guaranteed to every U.S. citizen who meets the guidelines set forth by the federal and state government. In Alabama, qualified voters must meet this list of requirements:

• You must be a citizen of the United States
• Non-citizens, including permanent legal residents, cannot vote in federal or state elections.
• 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

How do I register to vote?

There are three ways to register.

• Go online to sos.alabama.gov. Click on “Voting in Alabama.” Then, click on “Voter Registration / Update Registration.”
• Download the Alabama Voter Registration form at the website above, fill it in, print and mail to the Board of Registrars. In Baldwin County, that address is PO Box 1507, Bay Minette, Alabama, 36507-1507.
• Can’t print at home? Don’t have a computer? Call the Elections Division at 1-800-274-8683 and ask for a voter registration form to be mailed to you.
• How do I know I’m registered?

  Once you turn in your voter registration, the Board of Registrars’ Office will determine your eligibility. If you are eligible to vote, they will send you a Voter Identification Card with the name and address of your polling place. You do not have to bring this card with you to vote.

  If you can’t remember if you registered to vote, you can use the Secretary of State’s online tool to find your status. Visit myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview and input your name and birthdate.

  This will give you your voting status, the next election date you are eligible to vote in, the location and hours of your polling place and the districts that appear on your ballot.

  What do I need to bring with me to vote?

  A photo ID. This includes a valid Alabama Driver’s License, valid state-issued ID, valid Federal ID, valid passport, valid military ID, valid Tribal ID and even a valid student or employee ID issued by a college or university.

  How do I know where to vote?

  The easiest way is to look up your voting status with the Secretary of State’s online tool.

  Visit myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview and input your name and birthdate. It will look up your polling place and provide you with a map and the voting hours.

  I can’t get to the polls that day. What do I do?

  If you expect to be out of town, work a shift that prohibits you from voting, are elderly or unable to travel due to illness, you are eligible to vote with an absentee ballot.

  To vote absentee, you must first request an absentee ballot application. In Baldwin County, you can visit the Absentee Election Manager’s office at 125 D’Olive Street, Bay Minette or call 251-937-0240.

  While there is no deadline to request an absentee ballot application, there is a deadline to return them.

  The application must be returned in person or by U.S. mail. Do not mail more than one application in the same envelope. Absentee ballot applications returned by mail must be received no later than seven days before the election (Oct. 29). Absentee ballot applications returned by hand must be received no later than five days before the election (Oct.31).

  Once approved, the voter will receive a ballot by U.S. mail, or by hand if they are in the office.

  Do I need a notary to vote absentee?

  You need a notary or two witnesses over the age of 18.

  The absentee ballot comes with one plain (the secrecy envelope), one with an affidavit, or oath, printed on the outside, and one plain pre-addressed envelope, (the outer envelope). Once you fill in the ballot, here are the steps to sealing it:

  • Seal the ballot in the plain envelope
  • Place the plain envelope inside the accompanying affidavit envelope
  • Seal the affidavit envelope and complete the affidavit that is on the outside of the envelope
  • Sign the affidavit and have the signature witnessed by either a notary public or two witnesses 18 years of age or older

  Where do I turn in my absentee ballot?

  You can either bring it back to the Absentee Election Manager’s office at 125 D’Olive Street, Bay Minette or mail it back.

  When are absentee ballots due?

  Your absentee ballot must be received by the Absentee Election Manager no later than noon on election day if you mail it.

  If you hand-deliver it, the ballot must be in the office of the Absentee Election Manager by the close of business on the day before the election.

As always, if you have an issue or a question, never hesitate to reach out by emailing me at [email protected].