How to Vote Absentee in Jefferson County

Am I Eligible?

To vote absentee in Alabama you must check at least one qualifying reason on the Affidavit. Qualifying reasons include:

• You expect to be out of the county on election day
• You are physically incapacitated or ill
• You are required to work a shift during polling hours
• You are a student living outside the county
• You are a member of the armed forces, or a spouse/dependent
• You are an election officer working outside your home precinct
• You are a caregiver for a family member confined to the home
• You are an appointed election officer at a different polling place
• You are currently incarcerated but not convicted of a disqualifying felony

The Absentee Ballot Process

1. Step 1

   Fill Out Your Ballot

   Mark your choices on the ballot itself.

2. Step 2

   Seal It in the Secrecy Envelope

   Place the completed ballot inside the Secrecy Envelope and seal it.

3. Step 3

   Complete the Affidavit

   Fill out the Affidavit with two witness signatures OR a notary stamp, then place the Secrecy Envelope inside the Affidavit Envelope and seal it. Electronic or remote notarization is NOT allowed.

4. Step 4

   Seal the Mailing Envelope

   Place the Affidavit Envelope inside the pre-addressed mailing envelope and seal it.

5. Step 5

   Return Your Ballot

   Mail via US Mail or a commercial carrier or deliver it in person to the Jefferson County Absentee Election Manager.

Affidavit Requirements

On the Affidavit, the voter must check at least one eligibility reason (see list above), then sign and print their name. To validate the Affidavit, use EITHER:

Valid Photo ID

Any of the following are acceptable forms of photo identification:

• Valid Alabama driver's license (not expired more than 60 days)
• Valid non-driver ID (not expired more than 60 days)
• Valid U.S. passport
• Valid employee ID from federal, state, county, or municipal government or authority
• Valid student or employee ID from an Alabama college or university
• Valid military ID

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the two witness signatures OR notary stamp on the Affidavit.
• Do NOT skip the Secrecy Envelope!! The ballot MUST go in the Secrecy Envelope first.
• Using electronic or remote notarization (not permitted for Alabama absentee ballots).
• Mailing too late — mailed ballots must ARRIVE by noon on Election Day.