Alabaster, Alabama Public Records

Acceptable identification includes an Alabama driver's license, non-driver ID, passport, government employee ID, student ID from an Alabama college, military ID, or tribal ID; voters without photo ID may use certain alternatives including a birth certificate or utility bill. Municipal elections in the city cover the mayor and city council seats, with the mayor and seven council members serving four-year staggered terms. These elections typically occur in August during odd-numbered years, most recently in 2023, with the next cycle scheduled for 2027. Candidate qualifying and local ballot measures are announced through the Alabaster City Clerk's office approximately 90 days before municipal elections. Residents can find their assigned polling place using the Alabama Secretary of State's voter information lookup at https://myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview, which displays polling locations, sample ballots, and voter registration status by entering name and date of birth. Alabama makes certain election records publicly accessible: voter registration lists can be purchased from county probate offices for legitimate purposes; campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are available through the Alabama Secretary of State's office and the Alabama Ethics Commission (https://ethics.alabama.gov); and precinct-level election results are published by the Secretary of State and Shelby County after certification. In the November 2024 presidential election, Shelby County reported approximately 68% voter turnout among registered voters, with strong support for Republican candidates consistent with historical patterns; county-specific data showed over 125,000 ballots cast from approximately 185,000 registered voters. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, local voters will decide several significant races: Alabama's gubernatorial election (Governor Kay Ivey's current term expires; she may seek re-election or the seat may be open), all seven U.S. House seats for Alabama's congressional delegation, numerous state legislature seats including State Senate District 14 and House Districts 42 and 73 which cover portions of the city, and various county offices including Shelby County Commission seats, the Sheriff, Revenue Commissioner, and judicial positions. U.S. Senate seats for Alabama are not up in 2026 (next cycle is 2028 for one seat). Absentee voting in Alabama requires a valid excuse under Code of Alabama § 17-11-3, including being out of the county on election day, illness or physical disability, employment requirements, students attending college outside the county, election workers, and voters over age 65. Absentee ballot applications are available at https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/absentee-voting and must be submitted to the Shelby County Absentee Election Manager; applications are accepted beginning 90 days before an election and must be received by 5:00 p.m. On the Thursday before the election for mail ballots, or voters may apply and vote in person at the Absentee Election Manager's office through the day before the election.