Birmingham, AL – Ahead of special state legislative elections on July 13th, the League of Women Voters of Greater Birmingham (LWVGB) is offering the nonpartisan election resource VOTE411.org. This “one-stop shop” for election information provides simple, helpful tools to help Alabama voters navigate the voting process. The VOTE411 voter guide provides unbiased candidate information, a voter registration tool, polling place information, and other helpful election information for all voters….
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Thank you for voting, Alabama!

The Presidential General Election is just a few days away. What should you do now? All instruction here assumes that you have previously registered to vote in Alabama. The Alabama voter registration deadline has passed for the election on Nov. 3, 2020.

HOW TO VOTE IN ALABAMA AND MAKE IT COUNT

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IS NOV. 3!
ARE YOU READY TO VOTE?

Check VOTE411.ORG for candidate information and more! See your candidates and where they stand on the issues!

Check your registration status before the registration deadline even if you think you are properly registered! [Voter registration deadline has passed for the Nov. 3 Election.}

Do you have questions or need assistance with absentee voting? See this absentee voting tip sheet or call the LWVGB Absentee Voting Help Line at 205 583-5000 and press 3.

Are you considering poll watching in Alabama? There are requirements and regulations that must be followed. Find out more here.

2020 Election Dates & Deadlines

Presidential General Election - includes many state and local races

• Mon., Oct. 19 - Deadline to register to vote or change registration information
• Thurs., Oct. 29 - Deadline to apply for absentee ballot (IMPORTANT: Apply by mid-October to avoid mail delays! OR go in person to County Courthouse by Oct. 29. Most need photo ID.)
• Mon., Nov. 2 - Last day to hand-deliver or postmark absentee ballot (To be sure it counts, hand-deliver to the County Absentee Elections Manager.)
• Tues., Nov. 3 - ELECTION DAY

MORE NEED TO KNOW ELECTION INFORMATION

BEFORE THE VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE

You can register or update your registration information online if you have a current, valid Alabama driver license. Or download a registration application for mailing, or get a registration application at the Registrar's Office, a local public library, DMV office, or many public assistance offices.

VOTING ABSENTEE

If you plan to vote absentee, make application for an absentee ballot long before the application deadline!
Apply NOW!! The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is legally only five days before the election. HOWEVER, the absentee manager is expected to receive many applications during this time of COVID19. Apply a.s.a.p. to insure that you receive your ballot in time. Mail the application or personally hand deliver it to your county's Absentee Election Manager or in the case of a municipal election, to your city clerk. Unless you have a life-altering infirmity preventing your attendance to the polls, you must include a copy of your valid photo voter ID with your absentee ballot application. Check one of the accepted reasons to vote absentee. If you think it is impossible or unreasonable to vote in person at your polling place (for example, if you fear that you may contract or spread COVID19 if you go to the polls in person), you may legally check this reason for requesting an absentee ballot: "I have a physical illness or infirmity which prevents my attendance at the polls. [ID Required]". This is considered a valid reason even if you are not ill at the time.

For more absentee voting information, see LWVAL Absentee Voting Tips.

Hand-deliver or postmark an absentee ballot no later than the day before the election. (We advise you to mail much earlier to avoid mail delays.)


ON ELECTION DAY!
Take valid photo voter ID to the polls. You cannot be denied the right to vote. You can vote a "provisional ballot" if your name is not on the roll or if you do not have valid photo voter ID or for any other reason. BUT in order for your vote to count, BE SURE you are at the right polling place for the residence at which you are registered to vote. You will have to report to the courthouse by Friday following the election on Tuesday with proof that your vote should count (for example, proof of residency or valid photo voter ID). To avoid this hassle, try your very best to vote a regular ballot rather than a provisional ballot.


Report an election issue by calling:
1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español)
1-888-API-VOTE (Asian multilingual assistance)
1-844-YALLA-US (Arabic)

Other sources of Alabama election information:

• Vote411.org - The League's online voter guide, to register or update your registration, see who is on your ballot, see ballot measures (amendment proposals) on your ballot, find your polling place, check your registration status, and much more. It's your source for answers to all your election questions! (See the widget below!)
• Get the LWVAL Absentee Voting Tip Sheet. Questions?
• Alabama Votes - Election information from the Secretary of State
• Guía de Votantes de Alabama 2020 - En español
• Alabama Electronic Fair Campaign Practices Act (FCPA) Reporting System - Follow the money! Campaign reports for candidates and PACs

UPDATE: Alabama Voter Registration is now closed for the November 3rd General Election. If you need to register to vote or change your information, do it now so that you will be ready for the next election!

MONDAY, OCT. 19th is the LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE OR CHANGE YOUR REGISTRATION INFO. IN ALABAMA! If you live in Alabama and need to register to vote, and if you have a current valid AL driver’s license or AL non-driver ID, you can register or change your info. online at: http://bit.ly/2uKrkY2. OR you can mail your registration form and have it postmarked by Oct. 19th. To mail in, get the registration form at: https://bit.ly/3keRQ4D That form is good for changing your voter registration info. too if needed - for example if your name or address has changed since you registered. However you do it, DO IT BY MONDAY, OCT. 19th!

Hear the voices of young voters:
"I vote because..."

Young voters are registering and pledging to vote on Nov. 3rd in great numbers. Hear their voices and be inspired to use your vote. Watch the video and share it with friends! Let's GOTV of all ages! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBOvYHqhJyM

This public service announcement was produced by the League of Women Voters of Greater Birmingham (Alabama).

#GOTV #Vote411 #BirminghamAL #vote2020 #election2020 #alpolitics #LeagueofWomenVoters #LWV #LWVGB

GOTV Efforts in Alabama

How can we get out the vote on Nov. 3? We're brainstorming with representatives from some very successful organizations to see how it's done. Let's discuss!

Special guests

• Amanda Cherry - Greater Birmingham Ministries
• Rev. Carolyn Foster - Alabama Poor People’s Campaign
• Makayla Jordan - Students Demand Action
• Jameria Moore, Esq. - Sperling & Moore, PC
  

ELECTION UPDATE:
Thank you for voting in your municipal election runoff.
See preliminary election results for some races in the Greater Birmingham area.




Alabama Municipal Runoff Elections
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020!

Does your city have a runoff election?
Learn about the races and candidates at
VOTE411.ORG
Birmingham Watch
al.com

Wear your mask, bring your own pen, bring valid photo ID, and
VOTE!
Polls Open 7 AM to 7 PM

Thank you to Ms. Jackie Anderson-Smith, Jefferson County Circuit Clerk and Absentee Elections Manager, and Dr. Mark Wilson, Health Officer, Jefferson County Department of Health for presenting at LWVGB's program "Voting Safely During a Pandemic". They answered our questions about Alabama's current status with respect COVID-19, discussed our options in Alabama for voting in the presidential election on November 3rd, advised on the precautions we should take to vote safely, and much more. Thank you to LWVGB Vice-president for arranging this very informative program. If you were unable to participate in the live presentation on National Voter Registration Day, Sept. 22, see it now on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FSwNgEqEGU #VoteSafeAL #alpolitics #NVRD #LWV #VOTE411 #VotingRightsRestoration #COVID19

"VOTING SAFELY DURING A PANDEMIC"

Join the Zoom Meeting
September 22nd at 6:00 PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84725722189
Or phone in to
+1 312 626 6799 US
Meeting ID: 847 2572 2189
Share the Facebook Event.

Join us for this online discussion with Jackie Anderson-Smith, Jefferson County Circuit Clerk and Absentee Elections Manager, and Dr. Mark Wilson, Health Officer, Jefferson County Department of Health.

What are our options in Alabama for voting in the General Election on Nov. 3? How do we do that, and what precautions should we take to vote safely? Let’s make sure we vote, and let's make sure our vote is counted. Join us on September 22, National Voter Registration Day, at the Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84725722189 for this important discussion! No registration is necessary.

If you need some one-on-one help with voter registration, absentee voting, voting rights restoration, or other voting and election issues, drop by our "Voter Registration Hotline" Zoom, also on Sept. 22nd, from 11 AM to 3 PM. We'll be glad to help and answer your questions. See that Facebook Event for more information about the "Voter Registration Hotline".

#VoteSafeAL #alpolitics #NVRD #LWV

Rural Health: At Risk in Alabama

Many thanks to Curtis James, former president and CEO of St. Vincent's Hospital in Birmingham, for informing the public and our members about the health crisis for hospitals and citizens in rural Alabama. Thanks also to the great staff at Daniel Payne Community Plaza for facilitating this meeting. We will soon share his slideshow presentation. The recorded live-stream video of Mr. James's presentation on August 20, 2019 is now available for viewing on YouTube. We look forward to the opening soon of his new Thomasville Hospital. We congratulate Mr. James and his wife and partner Jolene James, in the near completion of this hospital offering much needed health services to Clarke Co. and southwest Alabama.

Flyer.
Facebook Event

The reservation deadline for this event has passed. If you did not make the deadline, we hope to see you at a future LWVGB event. Please check the LWVGB calendar regularly to see what is in store.

Judge Alan King speaks on 2018 Mid-terms in Jefferson County and beyond

L to R: LWVGB Voter Service Chair Nancy Sales, Jefferson Co. Probate Judge Alan L. King, LWVGB President Leonette Slay

On Thursday evening, November 8, Judge Alan King spoke to League members and the public about the 2018 mid-term election. Judge King has been a probate judge in Jefferson County since 2000 and has served as the Presiding Judge of Probate and the county's Chief Election Official since 2006. Despite rainy, chilly weather, Jefferson County residents turned out to the Vestavia Library in the Forest, and were very interested to hear his review.

Judge King covered several topics in his presentation and followed up by responding at length to audience questions. Among the topics, he discussed the training of election officials, the choice of voting machines, use of vote pass pads (for checking in voters at the polls), the choice of election sites, compilation of the inactive voter list, and hearings for disenfranchised voters. He shared some problems that have arisen before and on election day and how they were resolved. And he discussed the fast-moving advances in technology and how these affect the election process. Judge King compared the election process in Jefferson County to that in other Alabama counties and in other locations across the nation.

Judge King was recently a member of the now-dissolved Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity (sometimes referred to as the Kobach Commission). He shared his experience in being selected and serving on that commission.

The League of Women Voters of Greater Birmingham greatly appreciates that Judge King was willing to share his expertise and long-time experience in overseeing Jefferson County elections. Thank you, Judge King!

See more photos from this meeting.

The citizens of Greater Birmingham have made their voices heard!

The following election information remains posted as a voter resource.

IT'S UP TO YOU!


VOTE AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2018
7 A.M. - 7 P.M.

REGISTER TO VOTE OR
UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION BY OCT. 22!

Are you unable to vote in person on Nov. 6?
Nov. 1 is the last day to apply for an absentee ballot*!

*Except for persons casting absentee ballots pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA voters). The last day for UOCAVA voters to hand deliver or postmark their ballot is election day.

6 THINGS TO KNOW
BEFORE AND WHEN YOU VOTE

1.) Be informed about the candidates, races, and constitutional amendments on your ballot. The League of Women Voters has the resources you need to make you knowledgeable before you cast your ballot. Visit Vote411.org and check the registration and election information on this page for more answers.

2.)  Find your polling place (where to vote). Be sure to enter information that exactly matches your voter registration record. If you do not get the information you need, call your county Board of Registrars. And if needed, here is contact information for all county election officials in Alabama.

3.)  Take acceptable photo voter ID to your polling place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and VOTE! What's acceptable photo voter ID? See the list here. If you forget your photo voter ID, tell the polling official that you want to vote a "provisional ballot." And if two polling officials can vouch for your identity, you can still vote a regular ballot without photo voter ID.

4.)  You cannot be denied the right to vote. If your name is not on the polling list or you do not have acceptable photo ID, say that you want to vote a provisional ballot. Try your best to vote a regular ballot. (If you have moved to another Alabama county since you registered, you may need to go back to the polling place where your name is on the polling list.) If you vote a provisional ballot, you will have until Friday, Nov. 9, to present proof at the county court house (perhaps acceptable photo ID?) that your vote should count.

5.)  You can vote for anyone! It doesn't matter for whom, or if, you've voted before. Vote for anyone you choose no matter if you voted in the Democratic Party Primary, the Republican Party Primary, or if you didn't vote at all. You can vote for a candidate or candidates in either party, mix your vote between political parties, or you can write in a person who is not on the ballot. It's all up to you!

6.) You don't have to vote in every race. We hope you get information about all the candidates, races, and constitutional amendments and make an informed decision at the polls on all or most. BUT you do not have to vote in all races and on all amendment measures. Your vote will count however you mark your ballot.


Learn about the candidates and get election information.

• Visit Vote411.org
• Visit al.com, BirminghamWatch.org, or your local newspaper website

• Call your county Board of Registrars.
• Call the Election Division of the Alabama Secretary of State at 800-274-8683.
• Visit alabamavotes.gov

VOTE ON NOV. 6 AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

ELECTION 2018 CALENDAR

• OCT. 22 - Last day to register to vote or change registration information for the Nov. 6 General Election (Online registration application is available in Alabama.)
• NOV. 1 — Last day for voter to make application for an absentee ballot.
• NOV. 5 — Last day for voter to hand-deliver or postmark an absentee ballot.
• NOV. 6 — VOTE IN THE GENERAL ELECTION! - Polls open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• NOV. 13 — Absentee UOCAVA ballot receipt deadline*

ALABAMA REGISTRATION AND ELECTION INFORMATION

• Are you registered to vote? Are you sure? Check!
• Register to vote or change your registration information. Do it by Oct. 22 for election on Nov. 6. Register online, download an Alabama Voter Registration Form for mailing (can also be used to update your address or change of name.) Or see all locations where you can register or change your registration information in person.
• Can you vote absentee?
• Contact your county Absentee Election Manager
• Apply for an absentee ballot.
• Find your polling place. (Note these recent Jefferson Co. voting precinct changes. If you haven't voted recently, scroll down to see changes in previous years, too.)
• What are the acceptable forms of Voter ID? (ACCEPTABLE PHOTO ID is required to vote with certain exceptions.)
• Learn more about Photo Voter ID and how to get one if you need it.
• Follow the money! Online Campaign Finance System. Get contribution/financial reports for state and federal candidates and political action committees PACs).
• How to get former felon voting rights restored. Also, get voting rights restoration information from the ACLU here and here.
• Know your voting rights as established by the Help America Vote (HAVA) Act of 2002.
• See sample ballots for all Alabama counties.
• Visit Vote411.org for candidate and amendment information. Type in your address and get information about the candidates running statewide in Alabama (directly from the candidates) and unbiased information about the constitutional amendments on all Alabama ballots.
• Fair Ballot Commission Executive Summary of AL statewide amendment proposals
• Election Officials - Get contact information for your Board of Registrars, Circuit Clerk, Absentee Election Manager, and Probate Judge (Chief Election Officer of your county).
• Voting information and assistance from American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

MORE ELECTION INFORMATION

• Download the Alabama 2018 Voter Guide
• Get Alabama Photo Voter ID information
• Visit the AL Secretary of State's websites here and here.

OTHER ELECTION RESOURCES

• Jefferson Co. Registrar - 205 325-5550
• Shelby Co. Board of Registrars - 205 669-3913
• Jefferson Co. Absentee Election Manager - Bessemer Division - 205-497-8510
• Jefferson Co. Absentee Election Manager - Birmingham Division - 205-325-5355
• Shelby Co. Absentee Election Manager - 205-669-3760
• Jefferson Co. Probate Judge (Chief Election Officer of County) - 205-325-5428
• Shelby County Probate Judge (Chief Election Officer of County) - 205-669-3713
• Election Officials in All Alabama Counties
• AL Secretary of State - Elections Division - 1-800-274-8683
• Alabama Votes
• LWVGB 205 583-5000

Are you ready for Election Day 2018?

AL candidate and amendment info. at Vote411.org

See below for the information you need to
register, get informed, and
VOTE on November 6, 2018.


MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
ON NOVEMBER 6!
VOTE!

QUESTIONS ON ELECTION DAY?

• CALL YOUR COUNTY ELECTION OFFICIALS includes Boards of Registrars, Judges of Probate, Circuit Clerks, and Sheriffs
• CALL THE AL SECRETARY OF STATE ELECTIONS DIV. @ 1-800-274-8683
• CALL LWVGB @ 205 583-5000

COMING SOON! "Decision 2018" Jefferson County Judicial Candidate Guide by the League of Women Voters of Greater Birmingham. Available in a downloadable file.

Attend the "Decision 2018" Jefferson County Judicial Forum on Oct. 8 at the Gardendale Civic Center, 5:30 p.m.. Meet the judicial candidates in person and listen as they answer your questions! Listen and make up your own mind who will best serve you a judges in Jefferson County. Read this media release for more information. Download the Decision 2018 flyer to share with friends. Come back after Oct. 8 to download the judicial candidate guide!

"VOTE 411" by the League of Women Voters Education Fund @LWV. State and federal candidate information presented by the League of Women Voters of Alabama Education Fund @LWVAL. And now included…
COMING SOON! Alabama Constitutional Amendments Analyses
There will be 4 constitutional amendment referendums on all Alabama ballots on November 6. Analyses of these will be posted on Vote411.org. Get unbiased information for each amendment proposed:

•     the amendment referendum as it will appear on your ballot,

•     what will happen if the amendment passes, and

•     what will happen if the amendment fails.

VOTE411.ORG IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR ALABAMA!

www.Vote411.org is the ”one-stop-shop" for election related information. Read candidate responses to relevant questions, get constitutional amendment referendum information, and see answers to your election process questions (registration, restoration of rights, absentee voting, and more). Visit www.VOTE411.org now!

LWVUS sends this advice to debate moderators. (from 2016 but still holds true!)

Get our Debate Watching Kit!
(incl. Tips for Hosting a Debate Watching Party, Debate Watching 101, How to Evaluate
the Candidates, and more!)

Know Your Voting Rights