The state's chief election official says Alabamians going to help storm victims in other states may vote an absentee ballot before they leave.

Secretary of State Beth Chapman said Thursday is the deadline to apply for an absentee ballot.

Chapman said utility workers, Red Cross volunteers and others headed out of state can visit or contact their local absentee election manager's office before they leave and vote an absentee ballot so they will not miss the election.

Chapman said Alabama also has an emergency absentee ballot law that allows those with business or medical emergencies to vote absentee on the day prior to the election.

Applications may be made after the absentee deadline but no later than 5 p.m. on the day before the election.