Alabama
WalletHub says Alabama among worst states for working moms. Here’s why
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Balancing a career and raising a family is no small task, and where you live can make a big difference in how manageable that balance feels.
For working mothers in Alabama, achieving this balance may be especially challenging. In a recent analysis by WalletHub, Alabama ranked 50th out of 51 (including Washington, D.C.) for working moms.
From childcare costs to workplace advancement, working mothers across Alabama face challenges that contribute to the state’s low national ranking.
Here’s how Alabama ranks in WalletHub’s analysis.
Working moms in Alabama are struggling
Alabama ranked 50th out of 51 states, with an overall score of 27.29 out of 100, based on assessments across several key categories affecting working mothers.
- Childcare systems: 47th nationally.
- Professional opportunities: 49th.
- Female executive representation: 49th.
- Work-life balance: 43rd.
The state also performed poorly in the quality and availability of the daycare system, according to the report.
These rankings mirror the daily realities for many working mothers in Alabama, who weigh affordability, career growth and family care.
Limited access to high-quality childcare can make full-time employment more difficult, while fewer women in leadership roles may signal narrower career advancement paths. These challenges are especially significant for households balancing rising living costs with child-rearing responsibilities.
WalletHub expert insight
WalletHub noted that women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, and about 74% of mothers with children under 18 are employed, underscoring the importance of supportive workplace and childcare systems.
“The U.S. still has a lot of work to do when it comes to improving conditions for working moms, given the wage gap and the lack of representation women have in certain leadership positions,” said Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst.
Top states for mothers:
In contrast to Alabama’s low ranking, several states excel in support for working mothers. Here are the top 10:
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- New Jersey
- Vermont
- Maine
- Minnesota
- District of Columbia
- New York
- North Dakota
The worst states for mothers:
Notably, Alabama joins other states struggling across key measures. Here are the bottom 10:
- Louisiana
- Alabama
- New Mexico
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- Arizona
- South Carolina
- West Virginia
- Texas
- Idaho
WalletHub’s methodology
WalletHub’s analysis compares all 50 states and Washington, D.C., across 17 metrics in three categories—childcare, professional opportunities, and work-life balance—including childcare quality and costs, gender pay gaps, women’s leadership, parental leave policies and access to health care.
Each state was scored on a 100-point scale and ranked by overall performance across these measures.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@usatodayco.com.
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Voters in three of Alabama’s seven congressional districts head to the polls Tuesday to choose their nominees for the U.S. House of Representatives. Voters across the state will chose nominees for U.S. Senate and a full slate of state and local offices.
Following a Supreme Court redistricting ruling that has led to several Republican-led Southern states redrawing their congressional maps, primaries in four of Alabama’s seven districts — the first, second, sixth and seventh — were pushed to August.
Voters in the third, fourth and fifth congressional districts will cast ballots today. Alabama requires candidates to win a majority of the vote or face a runoff on June 16.
Ballot confusion possible
The special primary elections for the affected congressional districts will officially be held on Aug. 11. Voters may still see those congressional races on their ballots today because the map change came after ballots were already printed.
How to find your polling place
To find your polling place, go to myinfo.alabamavotes.gov. Enter your name and birth date, verify you’re not a robot and hit “Look up.” You’ll then see your voting precinct and polling location.
To see what races will be on your ballot, visit your county probate office website and look for sample ballots. From there, you can select a Democratic or Republican ballot to see the races in your area.
“We want to make sure that all of these local elected officials, like our probate judges, the circuit clerks, the sheriffs, board of registrars and especially our poll workers, you know they have the resources they need to go out and conduct a safe, secure, transparent and accountable election,” said Wes Allen, Alabama secretary of state.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What ID you need
When you show up at your polling location, you’ll need a valid photo ID. The easiest is bringing a state-issued driver’s license or photo ID.
Voters can also use a valid U.S. passport, military ID or student ID from any Alabama college or university.
If you forget your identification, you still may be able to cast a regular ballot if two poll workers know who you are.
If the workers don’t know you and you don’t have an accepted form of ID, you can still cast a provisional ballot, meaning your vote won’t be counted right away.
Copyright 2026 WALA. All rights reserved.
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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA) – The Alabama Primaries are Tuesday, May 19. Here is everything you need to know before you head to the polls.
When Are Polls Open?
Polls are open 7AM-7PM statewide
Remember, this is a primary. You will have to request either a Democratic Party or a Republican Party ballot. So you’ll have to decide whether you want to vote in Democratic Primary races or Republican Primary races. You can’t vote in both.
If no candidate gets 50%+1 in a particular race, the top two finishers would face each other in a runoff on June 16. Voters must vote in the same party’s runoff as in the primary.
Which Races Are on My Ballot?
Here’s a list of sample ballots for Democratic and Republican Party Primaries in all 67 Alabama counties.
While you will find primaries for U.S. House seats in Districts 1, 2, 6 and 7 — which cover nearly all of the Action 8 viewing area — these results won’t count. A special election for these districts will be held on August 11. This is due to the recent redistricting of those areas, which means some voters are now in different districts.
Am I Registered? Where Is My Polling Place?
Check here for voter information, including checking your registration and polling location.
What Type of Voter ID Do I Need?
Read the rules concerning Alabama’s photo voter ID law.
Stay with Action 8 News for the latest results, analysis from Political Analyst Steve Flowers and reaction. Watch Campaign 2026: The Alabama Vote, starting at 7 o’clock Tuesday night.
This week on “The Voice of Alabama Politics,” Alabama once again finds itself at the center of one of the nation’s biggest constitutional battles.
Bill Britt, Susan Britt and Josh Moon break down the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to reopen Alabama’s redistricting fight, the growing uncertainty surrounding the state’s election maps and the larger national conflict over voting rights, race and political power.
The show also examines controversy surrounding Republican lieutenant governor candidate Wes Allen and President Donald Trump reopening his political split with former Congressman Mo Brooks.
What emerges is a portrait of Alabama once again serving as the testing ground for some of America’s biggest political and constitutional fights.
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