DOTHAN, Ala. – The Houston County Absentee Election Manager’s Office is currently accepting applications for the March 2020 Primary and Primary Runoff Elections.
► Recent law requires all applications must be submitted with a current, valid Photo ID (Under ACT 2019-507, absentee ballot applications must now be accompanied by a copy of current, valid photo identification, unless the voter is exempt from the identification requirement. Failing to provide the identification will result in your ballot becoming a provisional ballot.).
► Voters must specify on their application which political party’s ballot they are requesting (Democratic or Republican) as well as their reason for voting absentee and the address where they are currently registered to vote.
► Applications can only be accepted in person by the actual voter or by U.S. Mail or commercial carrier. By 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 a “mark”.
► For applications received in person, upon verification, the voter will be given their ballot. For applications received by U.S. Mail or commercial carrier, upon verification, the ballot will be mailed to the address indicated on the application by the next business day.
► A valid Photo ID is required for the application to be processed.
► Upon casting an absentee ballot, the provided affidavit envelope containing the ballot must be completed in its entirety and notarized or have two witness signatures.
► Return of ballots can be accepted by hand delivery by the actual voter or U.S. Mail or commercial carrier. On election days, no hand delivery is allowed and all ballots must be received by 12:00 noon.
► The Absentee Election Manager’s Office is located in Room 417 of the Houston County Courthouse, 114 North Oates Street, Dothan, Alabama. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact number is 334-671-8700.
► Separate applications are required for elections more than 42 days apart, except as to individuals voting pursuant to the Federal Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act, 42 U.S.C. 1973ff. Therefore, the 2020 March Primary and Primary Runoff only require one application, but you must designate both elections to receive a ballot for the Primary and Primary Runoff.
IMPORTANT DATES
• THURSDAY, February 27, 2020: Last day voters may apply for a regular absentee ballot for the Primary Election.
• MONDAY, March 2, 2020: Last day voters can return in person their regular absentee ballot. Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than this date.
• TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020 ELECTION DAY: Mailed ballots must be received no later than noon this date. Medical emergency ballots delivered by the voter’s designee must be received no later than noon this date.
• THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020: Last day to apply for an absentee ballot for the Primary Runoff election.
• MONDAY, March 30, 2020: Last day voters can return in person their regular absentee ballot. Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than this date.
• TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020: PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION DAY: Mailed ballots must be received no later than noon. Medical emergency ballots delivered by the voter’s designee must be received no later than noon this date.
