Alabama breaks its record for absentee voting with pandemic rules

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabamians are voting by absentee ballot in record numbers this year after pandemic rules made it easier to do so, even lining up on Saturdays to cast votes.

And as early voting opportunities prove popular, some are asking the question why the state does not allow this every year.

As of last week, more than 145,000 absentee votes have been cast either by mail or in-person voting, according to Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill. He said that number is expected to rise.

The state’s previous record for absentee voting was about 89,000. Merrill said there were about another 70,000 ballots that have been requested but have not yet been mailed back.

“This is direct evidence that people want to vote early,” said Tuscaloosa Rep. Chris England, who is chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party.

England said he believes the issue cuts across party lines, and that people of all political leanings appreciate the opportunity to vote outside of 12 hours on Election Day.

Upcoming Events