You can vote absentee if you’re concerned about contracting or spreading coronavirus

Voters who are concerned about contracting or spreading an illness—including the novel coronavirus—can apply for an absentee ballot to vote in the upcoming primary runoff.

The election will continue as planned, Secretary of State John Merill said. Merrill is in contact with local election officials in all 67 countries to encourage preventative measures to maintain health and safety of voters.

The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is Thursday, March 26, and the last day to postmark or return an absentee ballot by hand is Monday, March 30.

Voters must submit an accompanying copy of their valid photo identification. For the full list of valid forms of photo identification, please visit the secretary of state’s website.

Upon successful application, voters will receive an absentee ballot in the mail.

The number of coronavirus cases in Alabama is growing quickly. By Saturday night, 12 cases had been confirmed, up from six the day before.

We’re tracking the spread of the coronavirus with maps here, and we’re answering questions about where to get tested here