Madison residents who will be unable to vote in person in the August municipal election may now submit an absentee ballot.

Alabama allows absentee voting for people in one of eight circumstances, including those who expect to be out of the county on Election Day, people with physical disabilities and residents living out of state or overseas. Madison’s election will be held Aug. 26, with polls open citywide from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mayor Paul Finley is not seeking re-election. The mayor’s office and three of the seven council districts are contested.

An absentee ballot can be requested in writing or in person from the election manager in the City Clerk’s office at City Hall, 100 Hughes Road. The request form can also be downloaded here.

The following information must be included with the application:

• Name and address
• A copy of your valid photo ID
• The election and date
• The reason for absence on Election Day
• Mailing address for the ballot
• Original signature. Electronic signatures will not be accepted. If a mark is made in place of a signature, it must be witnessed.

The city recommends you confirm your registration and address with the Alabama Secretary of State’s office before applying for an absentee ballot.

The absentee ballot application must be returned by the voter in person, by U.S. mail or by commercial carrier. Only one application is allowed per envelope.

The deadline to hand-deliver an application for an absentee ballot is 5 p.m. Aug. 21. An absentee ballot returned by mail must be received by noon on Election Day.