Montgomery, Ala. (WDNews)– Alabama is taking a major step forward in election security.
Secretary of State Wes Allen announced that beginning with the 2026 election cycle, all Alabama ballots will include an invisible security emblem detectable only by special equipment.
The emblems will debut on absentee ballots during the 2026 Primary and Primary Runoff Elections and will be included on all ballots starting with the 2026 General Election. The emblem’s design and placement will change each election cycle to ensure continued ballot integrity.
“The implementation of this emblem system is taking our state’s election security to the highest level that it has ever been,” Allen said. “Rolling out these ballot measures by the date of the 2026 election cycle was the goal, and I am honored to say it is a goal we have met.”
Alabama is the first state in the nation to partner with its ballot printing vendor to introduce this level of ballot protection. Election officials in each county will receive the specialized devices needed to detect the emblems.
“Protecting Alabama’s elections is of the utmost importance to me,” Allen added. “I am incredibly proud of the work my team and I have done to lead the nation in election security advancements.”
