Explore the frequently asked questions and answers to learn more about voting, or review the syllabus addendum options for faculty who want to support civic engagement for UA students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Voter Registration
Am I eligible to vote?
Every state has its own election laws, so check your state’s policies at vote.gov.
To register to vote in the State of Alabama, you must:
- Not have been declared “mentally incompetent” by a court.
- Be a citizen of the United States.
- Live in Alabama.
- Be at least 18 years of age on or before election day.
- Not have been convicted of a disqualifying felony, or if you have been convicted, you must have had your voting rights restored.
How do I register to vote?
Registration is fast, free, and easy. Because each state has a different process, we recommend going to vote.gov for more information. You can also register to vote by mail, at your local DMV, an armed forces recruitment center, and some state and county public assistance offices. You may need a photo ID or social security card to register.
Should I register to vote in my home state or in Tuscaloosa?
You can only be registered to vote in one place, but you can decide whether you want to register in Tuscaloosa or in your home state or county. Even if you only live in Tuscaloosa during the academic year or live in the residence halls, you are eligible to vote in Alabama. If you are already registered to vote and register in Tuscaloosa, you will no longer be registered in your home county and state. Your choice will not affect your residency status for any purposes other than voting. If you are changing your registration from one state to another, just register in the new state.
What address should I use if I live in a residence hall?
Your residence hall address cannot be used to receive mail and your mail stop code cannot be used as a residential address. Use your campus mail stop code as your mailing address and your residence hall address as your residential address.
To find your residence hall address, select your residence hall from the Halls page of the UA Housing website.
Your mail stop code address can be found in myBama. Navigate to the Student tab and then to the Campus Services box, and select the “Campus Mail Student Self-Service Portal” option.
Casting Your Vote
How do I vote in person?
Visit vote.gov and select your state or territory to check your voter registration and polling location. Be sure to bring a photo ID if you are registered in a state with a voter ID law.
Do I need an ID with me on election day?
Some states, including Alabama, require you to bring a valid photo ID or voter registration card to the polls when you go to vote. Find your state’s policy at vote.gov. In Alabama, you can use your digital or physical student ACT card as a valid form of identification at the polls.
How do I request an absentee ballot?
Every state has its own process, so check vote.gov to learn your state’s laws.
Syllabus Addendums for Faculty
Consider adding these civic engagement statements to your syllabus to support civic engagement among UA students.
Voting Resources
Civic Engagement Statement: The University of Alabama is committed to fostering individual and civic responsibility. The vote.ua.edu website is an up-to-date voter information resource, providing links to how to register to vote, how to request an absentee ballot and other voting-related questions.
Voting Resources and Information About Absences on Election Day
Civic Engagement Statement: The University of Alabama is committed to fostering individual and civic responsibility. The vote.ua.edu website is an up-to-date voter information resource, providing links to how to register to vote, how to request an absentee ballot, and other voting-related questions. Students who need to miss class to travel to vote on election day may discuss the possibility of an excused absence with the instructor.