Absentee Voting

Instructions for Voters Applying for an Absentee Ballot

Absentee Ballot Instructions

Etowah
Absentee
Voting

Cassandra C. Johnson
Absentee Election Manager
Absentee Election Office
801 Forrest Ave Suite 202
Gadsden, AL 35901
(256) 549-5355
Email Address: cassandra.johnson@alacourt.gov

NOVEMBER 5, 2024
GENERAL ELECTION
(GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS)

Dear Absentee Voter:

On behalf of our Absentee Election Office, we want to thank you for taking the time to make your vote count in this important upcoming election.  Pursuant to Title 17-11-3(a), Code of Alabama, a qualified elector of this state may apply for and vote an absentee ballot by mail, hand delivery, or by commercial carrier if he or she makes application in writing and meets one or more of the requirements (see application).  The Absentee Election Manager must receive your application by U.S. mail or commercial carrier no later than Tuesday, October 29, 2024. (within 7 days prior to the election) A voter is permitted to apply and vote absentee in-person at the Absentee Election Office. The last day to apply and vote (IN-PERSON) is Thursday, October 31, 2024, (Not less that 5 days prior to the election).

All applications must include the Alabama residence address where the voter is currently registered to vote, even if the absentee ballot is to be mailed to a different address where the applicant/voter regularly receives mail.  Mark the box for the reason you are absentee voting. Upon completing and signing your application, you must attach a copy of a valid photo ID or Voter ID (visit AlabamaVoterID.com for a complete list) to the application (unless you are ID exempt).

(Note) Under Act 2019-507, an absentee ballot application must be accompanied by a copy of current valid photo identification or a Voter ID, (unless the voter is ID exempt from the identification requirement).  Failing to provide valid photo identification will result in your ballot becoming a provisional ballot.

Pursuant to Alabama law, only one application per envelope is acceptable, even if multiple voters live at the same address.  Applications must be signed by the actual voter and (witnessed only if the voter signs by using a “mark”).

IMPORTANT:  If you have experienced a recent name or address change and have not updated your voter information with the Board of Registrar’s office, please update your voter information before mailing your application for an Absentee ballot.  If you do not know your voting precinct, you may contact the Board of Registrar’s office at (256) 549-5384 for assistance or visit the Secretary of State website at www.alabamavotes.gov.  The last day to hand-deliver your voter registration in-person is October 21, 2024, with the Etowah County Board of Registrar’s located in the Etowah County Courthouse or you may register online electronically by visiting the Secretary of State website (sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes). Deadline to register online is 15 days prior to the election.  

  • Emergency Absentee Applications are available (if you qualify). Medical Emergency ballots are for a registered voter that requires emergency treatment of a licensed physician within 5 days prior to the election (upon application, the physician shall sign a designated form describing and certifying the circumstances that constitute a Medical Emergency.  A voter may apply on either October 31, November 1 or November 4, 2024, (within 5 days prior to the election) and the last day to return your medical emergency ballot by your designee to the Absentee Election Manager is Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at (NOON). 
  • Business Emergency ballots may apply on Friday, November 1, 2024, and Monday, November 4, 2024. Business Emergency ballots must be voted in person at the Absentee Election Office.  A sworn affidavit is required to be signed by the voter stating that you were not aware of the business emergency until after the October 31, 2024, application deadline.
  • A caregiver for a person who requires emergency treatment by a licensed physician (the voter must deliver the application by hand to the Absentee Election Manager within (5) days prior to the election).  A family member to the second degree of kinship by affinity or consanguinity died within (5) days prior to the election (the voter must deliver the application by hand to the Absentee Election Manager no later than the day prior to the election). 
  • UOCAVA Voters – (Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) Military and overseas voters may now choose to receive their ballots for Federal offices either electronically or by U.S. mail. Military and other overseas citizens are welcome to use the standard procedure for absentee voting by mail. However, there are also special provisions for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and merchant marine, commissioned corps of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, along with their family members, and other citizens who reside outside the United States. For additional information, please see the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at:  www.fvap.gov.

When you receive your Absentee ballot by mail, it is very important that you read and follow the instructions carefully and return your Absentee ballot to the Absentee Election Manager as soon as possible.  No one is permitted to receive or return an Absentee Ballot for any other voter. (The only exception is a voter’s designee in returning the Medical Emergency ballot).

The deadline to hand-deliver your absentee ballot (by the voter only) to the Absentee Election Manager is Monday, November 4, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. (no exceptions).  If you have any questions concerning absentee voting, you may contact Cassandra Johnson, Circuit Clerk/Absentee Election Manager at (256) 549-5355. 

All applications for an Absentee Ballot or the Absentee Ballot shall be mailed to the following address, or you may visit us personally at the Absentee Election Office. 

Cassandra Johnson, Absentee Election Manager/Circuit Clerk
Absentee Elections
801 Forrest Avenue - Suite 202 (Etowah County Judicial Building)
Gadsden, AL  35901
Phone: (256) 549-5355

 

Thank you for VOTING!

Cassandra ‘Sam” Johnson, Absentee Elections Manager
Etowah County Circuit Clerk

 

Note: For additional voter information on registering to vote online or updating your voter information, you may visit the Secretary of State, Elections Division website at Alabama Votes or the Etowah County Circuit Clerk website.  Applications for Absentee ballots are available at either website.

Absentee Election Office hours of operation
Monday thru Friday (except holidays) 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

  1. When does absentee voting start?
  2. What are the qualifications for obtaining an absentee ballot?
  3. How do I apply for an absentee ballot?
  4. Where do I mail the application?
  5. Can I vote absentee in person?
  6. If I am voting absentee by mail, when do I send in the copy of my ID?
  7. How do I find out where my voting precinct is?
  8. Does my absentee ballot have to be witnessed or notarized?
  9. I have power of attorney for a relative, can I vote for him/her?
  10. I have moved since the last election, how will this affect my ability to vote absentee?
  11. Do I have to file a new application for every election?
  12. What if I find out after the Thursday afternoon deadline that I have to go out of county for employment reasons?
  13. Am I required to declare a particular party to vote?
  14. I have a relative serving in the military, how can they vote absentee?
  15. Emergency Absentee Voting
  16. How much postage is required to mail absentee ballot to the Absentee Election Manager's Office?

When does absentee voting start?

The Probate Judge is required by law to provide ballots and supplies to the Absentee Election Manager 55 days before an election. Applications are now being accepted for absentee ballots for the upcoming General Election.  

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What are the qualifications for obtaining an absentee ballot?

There are no provisions in Alabama law for early voting. You may vote absentee if you meet one of the following criteria and can make sworn affidavit as to one of the reasons stated below:

QUALIFICATIONS FOR A TRADITIONAL ABSENTEE BALLOT §17-10-3, Code of Alabama

  • I expect to be out of the county or the state on election day.
  • I am physically incapacitated and will not be able to vote in person on election day.  [ID Required]
  • I am physically incapacitated and will not be able to vote in person on election day.  I am unable to access my assigned polling place due to a neurological, musculoskeletal, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, or other life-altering disorder that affects my ability to perform manual tasks, stand for any length of time, walk unassisted, see, hear or speak and:

a)  I am an elderly voter aged 65 or older; or

b)  I am a voter with a disability.

[ID Not Required]

  • I expect to work a required workplace shift which has at least 10 hours which coincide with the polling hours at my regular polling place.
  • I am a student at an educational institution located outside the county of my permanent residence and am therefore unable to vote at my usual polling place on election day.
  • I am a member of or a spouse or dependent of a member of, the Armed Forces of the United states or am otherwise entitled to vote absentee pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. § 20302. [ID Not Required]

This application for an absentee ballot will be valid for all county, state, and federal elections held during this calendar year unless you specify an earlier expiration date here:  ___________________

  • I have been appointed as an election officer at a polling place which is not my regular polling place.
  • I am a caregiver for a family member to the second degree of kinship by affinity or consanguinity and the family member is confined to his or her home.
  • I am currently incarcerated in prison or jail and have not been convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude.  (See back for felonies involving more turpitude.)

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How do I apply for an absentee ballot?

You may contact the Absentee Election Office at (256) 549-5355 and request by phone an application or visit us at the Absentee Elections Division Office located in the Etowah County Judicial Building, downtown Gadsden. The physical address is 801 Forrest Ave., 1st Floor,  Suite 202, Gadsden, AL 35901. You can also download the application from Etowah Absentee Application.

PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY WHEN COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION BEFORE MAILING YOUR APPLICATION TO THE ABSENTEE ELECTION OFFICE.  A COPY OF YOUR VALID PHOTO ID MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH THE APPLICATION.  

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Where do I mail the application?

Applications are to be mailed to: Cassandra Johnson, Absentee Election Manager, 801 Forrest Ave. Suite 202 Gadsden, AL 35901. By law (AG Opinion 82-551), each application must be mailed in a separate envelope. Multiple applications (even for husband and wife) which are mailed in the same envelope will be returned to the voter. After you complete your application, you will need to attach a copy of a valid photo ID (Ex:  Alabama Driver's License) or a valid photo Voter ID or a valid U.S. Passport.  For additional information on photo voter identification, visit www.AlabamaVoterID.com.  Absentee or Federal Post Card Applications cannot be faxed or e-mailed to the Absentee Election Manager. For voter registration forms and absentee applications visit: AlabamaVotes.gov.

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Can I vote absentee in person?

Yes, you may visit the Absentee Election Manager's office located in the Circuit Clerk's Office of the Etowah County Judicial Building, 1st Floor, Monday through Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM (except on holidays), complete an application and vote while you are in the office. The deadline is Thursday (five days before an election). The physical address is 801 Forrest Ave. Suite 202, Gadsden, AL 35901.

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If I am voting absentee by mail, when do I send in the copy of my ID?

When mailing your application for absentee ballot, Alabama law requires a copy of a valid photo ID to be attached.  

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How do I find out where my voting precinct is?

You can contact the Etowah County Board of Registrars' Office at (256) 549-5386 for information on your voting precinct or you may visit the Secretary of State website at alabamavotes.gov.

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Does my absentee ballot have to be witnessed or notarized?

Yes, by law, your ballot must either be notarized OR witnessed by two people (18 years of age or older). You may use your family members as witnesses. If your ballot has not been notarized or witnessed by 2 people, it will not be counted.  The expiration date of the Notary's Commission must be included.

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I have Power-of-Attorney for a relative, can I vote for him/her?

No, the law does not allow a person to vote for someone else. (AG Opinion 84-359)

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I have moved since the last election, how will this affect my ability to vote absentee?

You will need to quickly get in touch with the Board of Registrars at 256-549-5386 and update your address. If your application address is different from the residence address on file with the Board of Registrars and the deadline to update your voter information has passed, you will be required to vote a Provisional Ballot.

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Do I have to file a new application for every election?

The law states that any elections which are more than 42 days apart must have a new application submitted (except military absentee applications). When Primary and Run-off Elections are less than 42 days apart and  if the voter is qualified to vote absentee for the same reason on both elections, the voter is permitted to mark both elections on their application.  

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What if I find out after the Thursday afternoon deadline that I have to go out of the county for employment reasons?

The law provides for a voter to vote business emergency if you find out after the Thursday deadline (within five days before the election) that you are required to go out of the county or state for business reasons. You will need to visit the Absentee Election Manager's Office and vote in person on Friday or Monday before the Tuesday election (unless either of these two days is a federal/state holiday).

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Must I declare a particular party to vote?

To vote in a Primary Election, you must designate the party in which you wish to receive a ballot for.   In a Run-off Election, you are required to vote the same designated party as the primary election.   In the November General Election, you can vote for candidates from any of the parties listed on the ballot.

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I have a relative serving in the military, how can they vote absentee?

Alabama citizens who are members of the Armed Forces of the United States, a spouse or a dependent of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, a citizen living abroad, or any other applicant qualified to vote pursuant to the Federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. §20302 (UOCAVA) can receive a ballot by electronic transmission or by U.S. Mail. 

Any military personnel can contact their military voting assistance officer and request Standard Form 76-A which is a Federal Post Card Voter Registration and request for Absentee Ballot or visit the website of the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) at www.fvap.gov. These applications are good for all elections of the same calendar year, so once this application is received, the applicant will automatically be mailed or emailed (depending on the selected method of receipt) a ballot for upcoming elections they are eligible to vote in. 

For UOCAVA (Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) Absentee Ballot Applications, (click here): UOCAVA Fillable Absentee Ballot Application

Please mail your original UOCAVA application (Federal Post Card application) to: 

Cassandra Johnson, Absentee Election Manager
801 Forrest Ave., Suite 202
Gadsden, AL 35901

Last day for military and other UOCAVA voters to postmark an absentee ballot returned by mail to the Absentee Election Manager is the day of the election and must be received within 7 days after the election.

Note: The Absentee Election Manager shall be notified immediately if a change of address has occurred by the voter between elections.

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Emergency Absentee Voting

EMERGENCY ABSENTEE VOTING applications can be made after the absentee deadline but no later than 5 PM on the day before the election, if the voter:

  • Is required by an employer under unforeseen circumstances to be unavailable at the polls on the day of the election
  • Is a caregiver of a person who requires emergency treatment by licensed physician within five days before an election
  • Has a family member to the second degree of kinship by affinity or consanguinity that has died within five days before an election

MEDICAL EMERGENCY ABSENTEE VOTING applications can be made by a voter who has a medical emergency requiring treatment from a licensed physician within 5 days of an election. During that 5-day period, the medical emergency absentee ballot must be returned no later than noon on election day. The medical emergency absentee ballot application requires that the attending physician describe and certify the circumstances as constituting an emergency. The voter may designate someone to turn in the medical emergency absentee ballot application, receive the absentee ballot on behalf of the voter, and return the voted absentee ballot to the Absentee Election Manager on behalf of the voter.

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How much postage is required to mail absentee ballot to the Absentee Election Manager's Office?

The postage amount is $1.77 when mailing by the U.S. Mail or contact your preferred commercial carrier for their prices.  

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