Aug. 11 special primary in Mobile, Baldwin counties: How to vote and who is on the ballot

Voters across Mobile and Baldwin counties head back to the polls Tuesday, Aug. 11, for a special primary that’ll help decide who represents the region in Congress.

Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Why Mobile and Baldwin counties are voting again Tuesday

Earlier this year, a court fight over Alabama’s congressional map led to new district lines being put in place statewide. Because the boundaries changed, results from the May 19 primary in four congressional districts — including the 1st, which covers Mobile and Baldwin counties — were voided. Gov. Kay Ivey called a new, standalone primary for Aug. 11 so voters in those districts could weigh in under the new map.

The redrawn 1st Congressional District now covers all of Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia counties, plus part of Covington County. Whoever wins Tuesday becomes their party’s nominee outright.

How to find your polling place in Mobile, Baldwin counties

Not sure where to vote?

The Alabama Secretary of State’s voter portal lets you check your registration status and look up your exact polling location in seconds. Polls open at 7AM and close at 7PM Tuesday.

What ID do you need to vote in Alabama?

Alabama requires a valid photo ID at the polls. Acceptable forms include:

• Alabama driver’s license or non-driver ID (even if expired less than 60 days)
• Alabama Photo Voter ID card
• U.S. passport
• Military or tribal ID
• Government employee ID (federal, state, county or municipal)
• Student or employee ID from a college or university

No ID on you? Poll workers can help you sort out options, so don’t skip your trip to the polls over it.

Who’s on the ballot: Alabama’s 1st Congressional District race

Tuesday’s ballot for Mobile Bay voters comes down to a single race: the Republican primary for Alabama’s 1st Congressional District. Three candidates are running:

• Jerry Carl — former U.S. representative for the district (2021-2025)
• John Mills
• Austin Sidwell

On the Democratic side, Clyde Jones is unopposed and moves straight to the November ballot, so there’s no Democratic primary to decide here. That means there’s really only one meaningful ballot choice for local voters Tuesday, regardless of which party ballot you usually decide to take.

When will we know the results?

Whoever wins the most votes Tuesday becomes the Republican nominee for the 1st Congressional District and moves on to face Clyde Jones in the fall.

Results typically start coming in from county probate offices shortly after polls close at 7PM.

What’s next: Alabama’s Nov. 3 general election

The next stop on Alabama’s election trail is the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, when Mobile Bay voters will help settle the 1st Congressional District race for good, alongside other state and local contests on the ballot.

Got questions about your registration or ballot? The Alabama Secretary of State’s voter portal is the best one-stop resource before Tuesday.