While Alabama citizens can register to vote at their local board of registrars, under federal law they can also fill out and submit voter registration forms at all state and/or county offices that provide public assistance. In Alabama, public assistance offices, such as Medicaid, WIC, and DHR, must distribute voter registration forms, provide assistance in completing the forms if necessary, and accept such forms. These offices must then forward the forms to the local boards of registrars. These voter registration services are to be offered to all applicants when applying for public assistance or when recertifying, renewing or submitting a change of address. Alabamians are not required to register to vote at these locations and they may decline to do so without affecting their right to receive public assistance. Alabamians may also fill out and submit a voter registration form when obtaining or renewing a driver’s license or when applying for a library card at any county library and many city libraries.
If you are not offered the opportunity to register to vote at any of these offices, please notify the Secretary of State’s Elections Division. The toll-free number is 1-800-274-8683.
– by Secretary of State Beth Chapman