With the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election upon us, Alabama voters are getting ready to head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5. This guide outlines polling hours, what you need to bring to vote, and other key information to help ensure a smooth experience on Election Day itself.

Polling hours in Alabama

On Election Day, polling places in Alabama open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. If you’re in line by 7 p.m., you’ll be allowed to cast your vote, even if it takes additional time to reach the voting booth.

Note that in the parts of Alabama that observe Eastern Time (even if unofficially), according to the official guidance the polling places may be open at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, so it’s vital to check.

What to bring to vote in Alabama

In Alabama, you are required to show a valid photo ID to vote. Acceptable forms of ID include:

Make sure your ID is current and not expired, as this is required for it to be accepted.

If you don’t have an acceptable ID, you can obtain a free photo voter ID card from your local county Board of Registrars office or a mobile ID unit. It’s a good idea to check that you have the necessary ID ahead of Election Day to avoid any last-minute issues at the polls.

Expected wait times and tips for a smooth voting experience

Line lengths can vary depending on the time of day and the location. Here’s a general guide:

Early Morning (7:00 - 10:00 a.m.): Many people vote early, so lines can be longer right when polling places open. If you can, avoid the 7 a.m - 8 a.m. slot.

Midday (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.): Lines are often shorter, as this period sees fewer voters. If you have a flexible schedule, this is usually the best time to avoid long waits. That said, there is usually an increase between 11:30 and 1:30 p.m. so if you can avoid that two hour slot.

Late Afternoon and Evening (3 p.m. - 7 p.m.): Crowds tend to increase as people leave work, so lines can grow longer as polling places near closing. 5 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. is usually the busiest.

To make your voting experience easier:

Other useful information for Alabama voters

The deadlines to register for absentee voting have now passed. Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by noon on Election Day, if hand-delivered they need to be returned to the office of the Absentee Election Manager by 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4.

Provisional Ballots: If there’s an issue with your registration or ID, you may be allowed to cast a provisional ballot. These ballots are only counted once your eligibility is confirmed.

Voter Hotline: Alabama’s Secretary of State office provides assistance via a voter hotline. Call 1-800-274-8683 if you have any questions or concerns on Election Day.

Key takeaways for voting in Alabama on Election Day

To ensure you’re prepared for voting in the 2024 Presidential Election in Alabama: