Time running out to apply for absentee ballot

Published 3:01 pm Thursday, June 4, 2020

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FROM STAFF REPORTS

As we approach the July 14 Primary Runoff Election between Jeff Sessions and Tommy Tuberville, Secretary of State John H. Merrill would like to remind you that as of Tuesday, June 9, there will be 30 days left to apply for an absentee ballot.

“It is important that Alabama voters are aware of their option to cast an absentee ballot for the Runoff Election amid the COVID-19 outbreak in our state,” read a press release. “Additionally, our office has provided guidance and continues to work with our county governments to ensure the polling places in all 67 counties are safe and sanitary for any voter who wishes to vote in-person on Election Day.”

Through funding provided by the CARES Act, Merrill is working with local election officials to see that polling places are equipped with sanitation supplies, personal protective equipment and other essential items to protect voters, poll workers and anyone else associated with the elections process.

An absentee ballot returned by mail must be postmarked no later than the day prior to the election and received by the Absentee Election Manager no later than noon on election day. If hand-delivered, the ballot must be in the office of the Absentee Election Manager by the close of business (but no later than 5 p.m.) on the day prior to the election.

The absentee ballot application must be returned to the Absentee Election Manager by the voter in person (or by the voter’s designee in the case of medical emergency voting), by U.S. Mail, or by commercial carrier.  No absentee ballot application may be mailed in the same envelope as another voter’s absentee ballot application.

For more information on absentee voting, you can visit Sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/absentee-voting