Elections
Baldwin County elections involve several county and state offices, and the correct place to go depends on what a voter needs to do. Election information from the Baldwin County Probate Office covers upcoming elections, absentee voting, sample ballots, voting precincts, election results, approved voting changes, poll worker information, and related election services. Voter registration is administered separately by the Baldwin County Board of Registrars, while statewide election schedules and registration tools are available through the Alabama Secretary of State. This article explains how these services fit together, where to look for official election information, and what Baldwin County voters should prepare before using absentee or other election services.
Baldwin County Election Services
The Baldwin County Probate Office maintains the county's central election information. The official Baldwin County Elections page provides access to upcoming election information, absentee voting materials, sample ballots, district and precinct information, election results, approved voting changes, and applications for people interested in serving as poll workers.
Voters should pay attention to which office is responsible for a particular task. Election coordination is handled through the Probate Office, but voter registration is administered by the Board of Registrars. Absentee voting has its own procedures through the Absentee Election Manager, and the county directs in-person absentee voters to the Circuit Clerk's Office. Municipal election results are also handled differently from county election results.
Keeping those responsibilities separate helps avoid common problems such as contacting the Probate Office for a voter-registration matter that belongs with the Board of Registrars or trying to return an absentee ballot at a satellite courthouse when Baldwin County specifically states that satellite courthouse drop-off is not permitted.
2026 Election Dates
Election dates can affect registration planning, absentee voting, sample-ballot availability, and the timing of county election reporting. The Alabama Secretary of State's official upcoming elections schedule identifies several statewide elections during 2026.
The state schedule includes the May 19, 2026 Primary Election and the June 16, 2026 Primary Runoff Election. It also identifies an August 11, 2026 Special Primary Election for Congressional Districts 1, 2, 6, and 7 and the November 3, 2026 General Election.
The Baldwin County absentee voting information specifically identifies the following elections:
August 11, 2026 — Special Congressional Primary.
November 3, 2026 — General Election.
Voters looking at an election date should make sure they are viewing information for the correct type of election. A statewide or congressional election, municipal election, zoning election, primary, runoff, and general election may have different ballots and different reporting pages. The election name and date are therefore useful identifiers when reviewing county documents.
Voter Registration Responsibilities
Voter registration in Baldwin County is administered by the Baldwin County Board of Registrars rather than simply being another general Probate Office transaction. According to the county's Board of Registrars information, the office is the primary public entity responsible for administering voter registration for Baldwin County citizens.
The Board of Registrars also maintains the county's roster of registered voters. That distinction matters when a resident needs to address registration rather than an Election Day administration issue.
The Alabama Secretary of State also provides the Alabama Votes voter registration system. The state election site includes voter registration and registration-update functions, election information, voting information, absentee voting information, photo voter ID information, district maps, and upcoming election information.
Registration versus election administration
A voter trying to determine where to begin can separate the two functions this way: registration questions belong with the Board of Registrars and the state's voter-registration system, while Baldwin County's Elections division provides county election information such as ballots, precinct materials, absentee voting information, and election results.
This distinction is particularly useful for residents who have recently changed information connected with their voter registration. A registration update should not be confused with finding a precinct map or reviewing a sample ballot. Those are separate tasks available through different election resources.
Absentee Voting Procedures
Baldwin County provides detailed absentee voting instructions through its official absentee voting page. Available materials include an absentee ballot application, absentee application instructions, absentee ballot instructions, and an emergency absentee ballot application.
An absentee ballot application may also be obtained from a voting assistance officer or through Alabama Votes. Baldwin County residents who need information about absentee voting are directed to the county's Absentee Election Manager.
When applications may be submitted
Baldwin County states that absentee ballot applications cannot be received earlier than 90 days before each election. Voters should therefore use the date of the specific election for which they are requesting a ballot rather than assuming that an application can be submitted at any time during the year.
The county also states that a voter who does not know the precinct or voting place may leave that portion of the absentee application blank. This can prevent unnecessary delays caused by waiting to determine a precinct before completing the application.
Photo identification with applications
The county instructs absentee applicants to include a copy of photo identification with the application. Examples identified by Baldwin County include:
Valid driver's license.
Valid non-driver identification license.
Valid Alabama Photo Voter ID Card.
Valid U.S. passport.
College or university photo identification card.
The identification copy does not have to be in color. Baldwin County also specifies that only the front of the identification must be submitted with the application.
The county's instructions distinguish between the application and the ballot itself when discussing the identification copy. The absentee voting page states that the ID copy is sent with the application. Voters should follow the county's current application and ballot instructions instead of treating the two documents as interchangeable.
Signature and witness rules
According to Baldwin County's absentee application guidance, a witness is required on the application only when the voter is unable to sign a full signature. When a witness is needed, a spouse or another family member may serve in that role, and the county states that anyone over 18 years old can witness the signature.
Voters should distinguish the requirements for completing the application from the instructions that accompany the absentee ballot. The county publishes separate application instructions and absentee ballot instructions, so the paperwork should be completed according to the instructions associated with the specific document being submitted.
When ballots are mailed
Baldwin County states that an absentee ballot will be mailed the day after an absentee application is accepted. The key step is acceptance of the application. Submitting an application does not mean the ballot has already been issued, so voters should make sure the application contains the requested information and identification materials.
In-Person Absentee Voting
Baldwin County states that absentee voting in person begins 55 days before an election. Residents voting absentee in person are directed to the Circuit Clerk's Office.
This procedure should not be confused with Election Day voting at a regular precinct or with returning an absentee ballot at another county facility. The county specifically states that absentee applications and ballots cannot be dropped off at the satellite courthouses.
Baldwin County also states that there are no absentee ballot drop boxes. A voter may bring a ballot back to Bay Minette in person only when the ballot belongs to that voter. Someone should therefore not assume that a spouse, relative, friend, or other person may personally deliver another voter's ballot merely because that person is permitted to serve as a witness where applicable.
Military and Overseas Voters
Baldwin County provides a specific procedure for voters covered by UOCAVA, which includes military and overseas citizens. A UOCAVA voter who does not have a current absentee ballot application on file with the Absentee Election Manager is instructed to submit the absentee ballot application directly to the Baldwin County Absentee Election Manager.
The county also states that UOCAVA applications are valid only for the calendar year in which they are submitted. A voter who previously submitted an application should therefore pay attention to the calendar year rather than assuming an older UOCAVA application remains active indefinitely.
The Absentee Election Manager's mailing location and telephone number are included in the election office list at the end of this article.
Sample Ballots Before Voting
The county's sample ballot page organizes available sample ballots by year. For 2026, the county page includes sample-ballot information associated with the special congressional district primary.
A sample ballot can help a voter review the contests that appear for an election before voting. Because ballot content can depend on the election and voting district, voters should make sure the sample they review corresponds to the election in which they are participating.
Election names are particularly useful when multiple elections occur during the same year. A primary ballot should not be treated as the ballot for a runoff or general election, and a congressional special primary is different from another election conducted on a different date.
Precincts and District Maps
Baldwin County publishes district maps and voting precinct information for voters who need to review how county precincts relate to election districts.
The county's election materials include:
Baldwin County voting precinct information and a voting precinct map.
U.S. Congressional district information.
2022 Baldwin Senate district maps.
2022 Baldwin House district maps.
State Board of Education districts.
County Commission districts.
These documents serve different purposes. A voting precinct identifies a local voting area, while congressional, state legislative, State Board of Education, and County Commission maps describe other political district boundaries. A voter should therefore avoid assuming that one district number applies to every office or election.
Precinct changes matter
Voting locations and precinct information can change. Baldwin County maintains a separate Approved Voting Changes page documenting approved changes affecting county voting arrangements.
For example, the county reported that on July 21, 2026, the Baldwin County Commission acknowledged a voting-place name change involving Voting Precinct 61 in Foley. It also reported that on January 20, 2026, the Commission adopted Resolution #2026-025 approving voting changes applicable to Baldwin County.
For that reason, residents relying on an older map, saved document, or previously used voting-place name should compare it with the county's current election information when preparing for another election.
Election Results and Reporting
The Baldwin County election results page provides results and precinct statistics for county elections when those records are available. The 2026 information includes official results from the June 16 Primary Runoff and the May 19 Primary, including separate precinct-statistics documents.
During an election period, Baldwin County provides online reporting as results are received throughout election night. Those election-night reports are updated as information comes in. Voters reviewing results should therefore pay attention to whether they are looking at election-night reporting or a document identified by the county as official results.
County and municipal results differ
Baldwin County specifically directs people seeking municipal election results to the official website of the municipality involved. This means that the county's election-results system should not automatically be treated as the source for every election held within Baldwin County.
Planning and zoning election results also have a separate place within the county election website. The county's 2026 planning and zoning election information, for example, includes June 20, 2026 Planning and Zoning District 3 results presented as both an election-results summary and results by precinct.
When looking for a past result, identify the election type first. County primary and runoff information belongs on the county election-results page, municipal results are directed to the municipality, and planning or zoning election results may appear in the county's specialized planning and zoning election section.
Becoming a Poll Worker
Poll workers are election officials who staff polling places and perform assigned Election Day duties. The Alabama Secretary of State provides an official poll worker application and eligibility information, while Baldwin County's Elections page also directs residents to poll worker information.
The state's requirements specify that a poll worker:
Must be a registered voter in Alabama.
Must be registered to vote in the county where the person wants to serve as a poll worker.
Must attend mandatory poll worker training.
Cannot be a member of a candidate's immediate family or within the second degree of kinship.
Cannot be a member of a candidate's political committee.
Mandatory training has no exception under the requirements published by the Secretary of State. The state instructions direct applicants to complete the poll worker form and submit it to their county Probate Office by mail or email.
Avoiding Common Election Mistakes
Several election services use similar terminology but have different offices and procedures. Residents can avoid many problems by first identifying the task they actually need to complete.
Registration is a separate function
The Baldwin County Board of Registrars administers voter registration and maintains the voter roster. A question about voter registration should therefore not be treated as the same task as requesting a sample ballot or reviewing election results.
Absentee rules are location-specific
For absentee voting, Baldwin County states that satellite courthouses cannot accept absentee applications or ballots and that absentee drop boxes are not available. In-person absentee voting is conducted through the Circuit Clerk's Office beginning 55 days before the election.
Election dates must match paperwork
An absentee application cannot be received more than 90 days before each election. Because the rule is tied to each election, voters should confirm the election date before deciding when to submit an application.
Application ID requirements are specific
Baldwin County directs absentee applicants to provide the required identification copy with the application. The county says the copy may be black and white and only the front of the ID is required. Following those specific application instructions can prevent confusion about what must accompany the paperwork.
Maps can become outdated
Precinct names, locations, or other voting arrangements may be changed through official county action. A voter relying on an older document should compare it with current precinct information and approved voting changes rather than assuming the information is unchanged.
Election-night numbers can change
The county updates online election reporting as results arrive during election night. Those reports should not be confused with later documents specifically identified as official election results. When accuracy depends on the final count, use the county's official-results material.
Election Offices
Baldwin County Probate Office — Elections
208 Courthouse Square
Bay Minette, AL 36507
Mailing Address: PO Box 459, Bay Minette, AL 36507
251-937-0399
Baldwin County Absentee Election Manager
312 Courthouse Square, Ste. 34
Bay Minette, AL 36507
251-937-0379
Elections FAQs
How can I verify my voting information before Election Day?
Use the Alabama Secretary of State’s Alabama Votes system to review your voting information before an election. The state election portal provides access to “My Voting Information,” voter registration updates, election information, absentee voting resources, photo voter ID guidance, state district maps, and sample ballots when available. Checking your information ahead of time is especially useful if you have moved, changed registration details, or have not voted recently. If something in your registration record needs to be corrected, use the registration-update option rather than waiting until Election Day.
Where can I review constitutional amendments on the ballot?
Statewide constitutional amendments are handled through Alabama’s official election resources rather than Baldwin County’s local sample-ballot pages alone. Alabama Votes provides a section for proposed statewide constitutional amendments, allowing voters to review official election information connected with measures that may appear on a statewide ballot. When preparing to vote, compare the amendment information with the ballot for the specific election because not every election includes the same statewide questions. The Alabama Secretary of State also maintains an official upcoming elections schedule that can help confirm which election you are researching.
How do I find older Baldwin County election records?
Do not rely on an old bookmark for the former Baldwin County election archives page, because the county states that page no longer exists. Instead, begin with the current Baldwin County Elections page, which includes a “View previous elections” option and links to current election services. For specific vote totals, the county’s Election Results and Information page is the better starting point. Be sure to match the election date and election type when reviewing older records, especially when a year includes primaries, runoffs, special elections, or other separate contests.