AL Absentee Ballots Will Be Opened Starting Morning Of Election

MONTGOMERY, AL — Absentee ballots received by the day of the election Nov. 3 will be opened for tabulation beginning at 7 a.m. that day, according to an announcement by Gov. Kay Ivey Wednesday.

Ivey, who also extended the statewide mandatory mask order through Nov. 8 in her proclamation Wednesday, said the safety of poll workers and poll watchers was of significant concern to her and prompted her call to emergency.

Secretary of State John Merrill backed Ivey's decision regarding the promotion of absentee voting and the tabulation date for the ballots.

"I commend Governor Ivey for making the wise decision to allow for the processing of absentee ballots to begin at 7 a.m. on Election Day," Merrill said. "This accommodates the anticipated increase of absentee ballots and ensures that Alabama will continue to provide timely, unofficial election results on election night."

Merrill said student poll worker interns —who were previously unpaid — may now be compensated $50 for working the election, thanks to Ivey and funds made available to Merrill's office through the CARES Act.

Ivey also authorized county probate judges to conduct remote training for precinct election officials and poll workers via live or recorded video or telephone call.

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Mail-In Voting In Alabama: Deadlines, How To Get A Ballot