The first general election ballots for the 2024 presidential race were sent out this week in Alabama, making it the first state to do so with less than two months remaining until the November contest. County officials in Alabama began mailing out absentee ballots on September 11, which is 55 days before the November 5 date according to state law. Sharon Long, deputy clerk in the Jefferson County circuit clerk’s office, stated that her office has received ballots and will start mailing them on Wednesday morning to voters who have applied for them as well as overseas and military voters. Alabama does not have traditional early voting, so absentee ballots are the only alternative to voting at polling stations on Election Day.
According to state law, absentee ballots in Alabama are only allowed for individuals who are ill, traveling, incarcerated, or working a shift that coincides with polling hours. The website of Alabama states that military and overseas voters now have the option to receive their Federal office ballots electronically or through regular U.S. mail or commercial carrier.
Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen reminded voters earlier this week about important deadlines for casting absentee ballots. Ballot applications must be received by county election managers by October 29 if they want to cast an absentee ballot. The deadline for returning an absentee ballot in person is October 31. Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received no later than noon on Election Day itself.
Alabama recently implemented new restrictions on voter assistance during application processes for such a ballot. It is now illegal under SB1 law to distribute a prefilled absentee ballot application or return another person’s application.
North Carolina was supposed to be the first state sending out mail-in ballots; however, a judge ruled last week that they must delay mailing them due to a challenge from independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy who suspended his campaign last month and endorsed former President Donald Trump.
Two election-related groups—the National Association of State Election Directors and the National Association of Secretaries of State—sent a warning letter about possible disruptions affecting USPS’s ability ahead of the November 5 contest due to ongoing concerns regarding recent issues affecting mail delivery.
