Applications for absentee voting are now being accepted ahead of the May 19, 2026 statewide primary election, according to local election officials.

Voters in Madison County can request absentee ballots online at the county’s election website or in person at the absentee election office. Completed applications may be submitted by mail or another recognized carrier, with one application per envelope, and must include a copy of a valid photo ID.

Alabama does not offer early voting, but eligible voters may cast absentee ballots either by mail or in person if they meet specific requirements outlined by state law.

Those eligible include voters who expect to be out of the county on election day, are physically unable to vote in person, work long shifts during polling hours, are students living outside their home county, or are serving as election officials.

Other qualifying circumstances include caregiving responsibilities, certain disabilities, incarceration without a disqualifying felony conviction, or military and overseas status.

Voters may also cast absentee ballots in person at the Madison County Service Center between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. by submitting an application and presenting valid identification.

Key deadlines for the primary election include:

• Last day to register to vote: May 4
• Last day to request an absentee ballot by mail: May 12
• Last day to request an absentee ballot in person: May 14
• Last day to return an absentee ballot in person: May 18
• Deadline for absentee ballots returned by mail to be received: noon on May 19

Absentee ballots must be either hand-delivered to the absentee election manager by close of business May 18 or received by mail by noon on election day to be counted.

Officials encourage voters to plan ahead and ensure all applications and ballots are submitted by the required deadlines to be counted in the May primary.