by Amberly Kimbrough
Government & Public Affairs

Election season is just around the corner, and COVID-19 is still here. Some people may be comfortable voting in person this year, but others may wish to be more cautious.  Due to the virus, the Alabama Secretary of State has put measures into place to allow citizens to vote by absentee ballot in the upcoming election.  Local election offices are already getting many calls from people who are interested in voting absentee this year.

It’s essential that we are well-prepared as voters, so that the outcomes of our elections are a true representation of our communities. Below are lists of dates, information, and resources for residents of Madison County as we approach municipal elections on August 25 as well as the general election on November 3.  Please share this information with your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers! If you aren’t registered to vote, now is the time to do it. If you are already registered, visit alabamavotes.gov to double check that your voter registration is up to date. Your vote is the most impactful voice you have, so make sure it counts!

If you vote in person, local election workers ask that you wear a mask and bring your own black ballpoint pen, to help them save time and cleaning supplies keeping pens clean.

IMPORTANT DATES

Municipal Election Information – here’s a sample ballot

August 10, 2020 – Last day to register to vote in City of Huntsville, City of Madison, and other Municipal Elections
August 20, 2020 – Last day to apply for a regular absentee ballot for City of Huntsville, City of Madison, and other Municipal Elections (ballots hand delivered or postmarked on this date).
August 24, 2020 – Last day to return regular absentee ballots for City of Huntsville, City of Madison, and other Municipal Elections
August 25, 2020 – Election Day – City of Huntsville, City of Madison, and other municipalities – polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Municipal Runoff Information (if needed)

September 21, 2020 – Voter registration deadline for Municipal Run-Off Elections
October 1, 2020 – Last day to apply for an absentee ballot for Municipal Run-Off Elections
October 6, 2020 – City of Huntsville, City of Madison and other Municipal Run-Off Elections
November 2, 2020 – Newly elected municipal officials assume office

General Election Information

October 19, 2020 – Voter registration deadline
October 29, 2020 – Last day to apply for an Absentee Ballot
November 2, 2020 – Last day to hand deliver/postmark an absentee ballot – (it’s recommended you mail it one week ahead, though, to ensure it arrives on time)
November 3, 2020 – General Election – polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

IMPORTANT ABSENTEE BALLOT INFORMATION

How to Request Your Absentee Ballot

• You must request this by mail or in person.
• You will need to have your photo ID available (or photocopied with your mail-in request).
• You will be asked to choose from a multiple choice list of reasons you are requesting your absentee ballot. If you are voting absentee because of COVID-19, choose the option “I have a physical illness or infirmity which prevents my attendance at the polls. [ID REQUIRED]”
• Be sure to request the ballot for the correct election!

How to Fill Out Your Absentee Ballot

• You will need either a notary or two witnesses’ signatures to verify that you filled it out yourself. These witnesses can be anyone aged 18 or older.
• There are three different envelopes – be sure to use them correctly.

How to Return Your Absentee Ballot

• They can be mailed back or returned in person. If you mail it back, please ensure proper time for it to arrive (at least one week.)

City of Huntsville Elections

Election information, and request an absentee ballot: Huntsvilleal.gov
(256) 427-5082

Request and return absentee ballots by mail:
Kenneth Benion, Clerk-Treasurer
PO Box 308
Huntsville, Alabama 35804

Request and return absentee ballots in person:
308 Fountain Circle
Huntsville, Alabama 35801
(Free parking available in front of Municipal Building)

City of Madison Elections

Election information, and request an absentee ballot: Madisonal.gov
(256) 772-5610

Melanie A. Williard, City Clerk-Treasurer
Absentee Election Manager
100 Hughes Road
Madison, Alabama 35758

Other Local Municipalities:

City of Gurley
Ginger Patterson, City Clerk
(256) 776-3313
townofgurleyal.com

City of New Hope
Kim Cleveland, City Clerk
(256) 723-2616
cityofnewhope.org

Owens Cross Roads
Sonya Harless, City Clerk
(256) 725-4163

Triana
Sharron Humphrey, City Clerk
(256) 772-0151

General Election Information

Election information, and request an absentee ballot: Madisoncountyvotes.com
(256) 532-3380

Debra Kizer, Circuit Clerk
100 Northside Square
Huntsville AL 35801