Alabama will move forward with its May 19, 2026 primary election as planned despite ongoing legal challenges tied to redistricting, Secretary of State Wes Allen announced Monday.

Allen said the state is continuing preparations while awaiting decisions in pending cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals involving Alabama’s congressional and state Senate district maps.

On Friday, Governor Kay Ivey announced a special session of the Alabama Legislature in response to recent U.S. Supreme Court action in Louisiana v. Callais.  State lawmakers will convene this week in Montgomery to craft the state’s contingency plans as the litigation unfolds.

But today, Allen made it clear that will not interfere with Alabama’s elections, now 15 days away.

“Alabama is proceeding with the May 19, 2026 Primary Election while we await court action in Alabama’s pending redistricting cases in the U.S. Supreme Court and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals,” Allen said. “I encourage all eligible Alabamians to verify their voter registration status using AlabamaVotes.gov and make plans to head to the polls on May 19th.”

Monday, May 4, marks the deadline for voters to register ahead of the primary.

Applications for mail-in absentee ballots must be received by county absentee election managers by May 12. Voters submitting absentee applications in person have until May 14.

Completed absentee ballots returned in person must be delivered by the close of business on May 18, the day before the election. Ballots returned by mail must arrive no later than noon on Election Day.

Polls across Alabama will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 19. Voters are required to present a valid photo identification when voting either in person or by absentee ballot.