Alabama voters head to the polls today for the May 19 primary election, with statewide races for governor, U.S. Senate, lieutenant governor, attorney general and other key offices on the ballot.
Election officials are urging voters to verify their polling locations before leaving home, as several polling places have changed ahead of Election Day.
“Before heading to the polls on May 19, I encourage Alabama voters to visit AlabamaVotes.gov, where they can check the status of their voter registration, verify their polling location, and view their county’s sample ballots,” Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen said in a statement.
In Madison County, Probate Judge Frank Barger said voters impacted by polling place changes should have received mailed notifications from the Board of Registrars, but encouraged residents to double-check online before heading out.
“All voters affected by a polling location change within their precinct lines did receive mail notification to their mailing address,” Barger told 256 Today. “Unfortunately, just like all of us, sometimes mail gets overlooked.”
Barger said election workers are prepared to help redirect voters if needed.
“Our team of election workers are prepared to assist folks and redirect folks quickly if need be,” he said.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, and voters must present a valid photo ID before casting a ballot.
Barger said Madison County has approximately 1,200 election workers deployed across 79 voting locations and is prepared for heavy turnout throughout the day.
“We’re prepared, very well prepared for tomorrow,” Barger said. “We’re prepared for a high level of turnout no matter what the day might bring.”
He noted that during the 2024 general election, nearly 70% of the county’s turnout occurred within the first three-and-a-half hours after polls opened, creating long lines at some locations.
“I would encourage folks, if they have an opportunity to vote at an alternate time, typically late morning or early afternoon, to avoid those high traffic times,” Barger said.
Tuesday’s primary ballot includes statewide races for:
- Governor
- Lieutenant Governor
- Attorney General
- U.S. Senate
- Secretary of State
- State Auditor
- Alabama Agriculture Commissioner
- Alabama Public Service Commission
- Alabama State Board of Education
- Alabama House and Senate races
North Alabama voters will also see races in Alabama’s 3rd, 4th and 5th Congressional Districts.
Secretary Allen also reminded voters that congressional races in Alabama’s 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th districts will ultimately be decided in a special primary election Aug. 11 because of ongoing federal court proceedings tied to Alabama’s congressional maps. While the issue largely affects parts of south and central Alabama, voters in those districts will return to the polls later this summer.
Tuesday’s ballot also includes two statewide constitutional amendments, including a proposal to expand Aniah’s Law by adding additional violent crimes to the list of offenses ineligible for bond.
Barger emphasized confidence in Alabama’s election process and encouraged voter participation, particularly among younger residents.
“Voters in Madison County should feel very confident about casting their ballot tomorrow, knowing that the process is secure, that their choices are going to be tabulated and their vote is going to matter in this process,” he said.
“I continue to be concerned about voter apathy, especially among our younger individuals,” Barger added. “Everyone who’s eligible needs to register and get out and vote.”
Voters can verify their registration status, polling location and sample ballot through AlabamaVotes.gov.
If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in a primary race, a runoff election will be held June 16.
Alabama’s general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.
