Online voter registration open to residents

Alabama residents can register to vote online. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – The State of Alabama allows residents to apply online for voter registration.

In any Alabama election, the last day to register to vote or update voter registration is 15 days before the election, according to the Alabama Votes website. Secretary of State John H. Merrill’s office maintains the site.

The City of Madison will hold its municipal election for mayor and City Council on Aug. 23. The last day to register will be Aug. 8.

The Alabama Votes website (alabamavotes.gov/olvr/default.aspx) allows residents to access and submit an application for voter registration. A prospective voter must satisfy several requirements for online registration:

* Be a citizen of the United States.
* Live in the State of Alabama.
* Be 18 years of age minimum on or before election day.
* “You cannot be barred from voting by reason of a disqualifying felony conviction,” the website states.
* “You cannot have been judged ‘mentally incompetent’ in a court of law.”

Unless exempted by law, a voter must present a valid photo identification at the polling place or when submitting an absentee ballot.

In addition to the preceding requirements, a prospective voter must have a valid Alabama Driver’s License or valid Alabama Non-Driver’s Identification Card to submit an Electronic Voter Registration Application.

A resident that cannot satisfy the requirements can print a State of Alabama Mail-In Voter Registration Form. This form is a PDF that the individual can fill out on the computer, print, sign and mail to the local Board of Registrars.

To check voter registration status or view a polling place, residents can use an option on the Alabama Votes site or contact the County Board of Registrars.

An individual will not be registered to vote until the County Board of Registrars reviews and approves the application.

For more information, call 1-800-274-8683 or visit alabamavotes.gov/olvr/default.aspx.