Countdown to Super Tuesday
This coming Tuesday in the State of Alabama, 14 other states and one territory is Super Tuesday. It is called that because it is the one date that the most states hold their primary elections at the same time. The ballot will include party primaries, local, state and national.
In the state there are more than 3.7 million registered voters but while a large turnout is possible, predictions are that less than 50% will cast a ballot.
It has been a rather muted primary season. While paid political ads are running in the media and on websites, it has been a relatively quiet election buildup. Negative campaigning has been minimal.
Most advertising across the state has centered around why you should vote for a particular candidate rather than why you should not vote for their opponent. Now, that is a rather novel approach. But don't expect it to last, runoffs will be a bit more contentious and the general election in November could get downright ugly.
Some Things to Remember:
Tuscaloosa County Probate Judge Rob Robertson expects a good turnout. He says lines may be longest early and late on Super Tuesday, but the hope is voters can be in and out of most locations within 20 minutes. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. However, if you are in line by 7:00pm you will be allowed to vote even after closing time.
Alabama is one of six states that holds open primaries. That gives all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, the opportunity to vote in either Democratic or Republican primary Tuesday. But remember, you must choose which party ballot you want. Primary elections are not crossover voting elections. In November you will be able to split your ballot.
If you are voting absentee, remember, ballots being returned by hand to the absentee election manager must be received no later than the close of business on Monday. Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by noon on election day.
Key Voter Information:
- If you don't remember or know where you are supposed to cast your ballot click here.
- For an Alabama "Voter Guide" click here.
- To view an interactive ward map of Tuscaloosa County, click here.
- For a sample ballot for your county click here.
- For assistance for voters with disabilities click here.
- Alabama Voter Integrity Information here.
- Voter ID Information here.
- Election Misinformation Guide here
Election results Tuesday night will be posted as rapidly as possible by each counties probate office. In Tuscaloosa County the vote tallies are posted as fast as possible, in real time, both on polling place walls, and on the probate judge's website.
If needed, there will be a Primary Runoff Election on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. The General Election is set for Tuesday, November 5.