Alabama Election Code

Title 11 – Chapter 46

Article 1 General Provisions

Section 11-46-1

Municipalities may provide for election, compensation, bond, etc., of officers.

Cities and towns may, except as otherwise provided by law, by ordinance provide for the election at any regular municipal election or for the appointment of such officers as are deemed needful or proper for the good government of the city or town and the due exercise of its corporate powers, fix their terms of office, fix their compensation and prescribe the duties of such officers, their liabilities and powers and require them to give bond in such sum and to be conditioned and approved as the council may prescribe.

 

Section 11-46-2

Establishment of qualification fee for candidates for office.

The governing body of all municipal corporations of this state may, by ordinance, establish and fix a qualification fee to be imposed upon all candidates seeking election in municipal elections conducted under the provisions of Sections 11-46-20 through 11-46-25, 11-46-27 through 11-46-73, as amended, and of Sections 11-46-90 through 11-46-96, 11-46-98 through 11-46-144, as amended. Such fee, if established as provided for in this section, shall in no event be less than $10.00 and shall not exceed $50.00 for any office for which a candidate qualifies for election. The ordinance establishing and fixing such qualification fee shall be adopted by the governing body at least five days prior to the first day upon which a candidate seeking election in a municipal election may qualify for the office to be filled at the municipal election.

 

Section 11-46-3

Primary elections by political parties and partisan elections abolished in municipalities having 300,000 inhabitants or less.

Primary elections of political parties are hereby abolished in cities and towns of this state which have a population of 300,000 inhabitants or less, according to the latest federal decennial census, and election of the members of the municipal governing body of said cities and towns shall be by and on a nonpartisan ballot in all elections held for the purpose of electing members of the governing body.

 

Section 11-46-4 

Identification of electors eligible to vote; municipality, county contracts; official poll list.

(a) The incorporated municipalities of this state are hereby authorized to enter into contracts with the counties of this state and their boards of registrars to conduct an identification program of electors eligible to vote in municipal elections. The said municipalities are authorized to expend public funds in payment of services rendered by such counties and boards of registrars in such identification program. Such contracts shall be authorized by appropriate resolution of the governing body of the municipality. It shall be the duty of the various boards of registrars to conduct an identification program of electors residing in the municipality and eligible to vote in municipal elections upon adoption of an appropriate resolution of the governing body of the municipality and upon approval of a contract between the municipality and the county and its board of registrars. The county and its board of registrars shall not unreasonably withhold approval of a contract with any municipality for such purposes nor shall such county or its board unreasonably delay acceptance of such contract; it being the intention of the legislature that the said county and its board shall cooperate fully with the municipalities which adopt the said appropriate resolution and attempt in good faith to contract with such municipality. Any such program contracted for shall be completed at least 180 days prior to any municipal election held within a municipality to elect officers of the municipality. It is the intention of the legislature that any such contracts, as herein authorized, be detailed and sufficiently complete so that any elector may look to it for all requirements of the program of identification. It is likewise the intention of the legislature that after the identification program is completed that the list of electors established may be used as the official poll list for the immediately ensuing municipal election held within a municipality to elect officers of the municipality and the mayor of the municipality is authorized to certify such poll list as the official poll list of the municipality.

(b) All moneys paid as consideration for such contracts shall be deposited in the general fund of the county.

 

Section 11-46-5

Date of elections in certain municipalities. 

The governing body of a municipality having a general municipal election or runoff election required by general or local act at a time different from the dates now or hereafter provided by Article 2, Chapter 46 of Title 11, may elect by ordinance to have the election at the same time required by Article 2 and the election made by ordinance shall not have the effect of changing the beginning of a term of office or the time for taking office.

 

Section 11-46-6

Date of elections in certain Class 5 municipalities.

(a) The provisions of this section shall apply to all Class 5 cities, according to Section 11-40-12.

(b) Any Class 5 city may hold its city election on the second Tuesday in July, 1980, and the runoff election three weeks after said second Tuesday, with the city election every three years thereafter to be held at the same appointed time, upon adoption of a resolution to such effect by the city governing body.

(c) The provisions of this section are cumulative and shall not be construed to repeal or supersede any laws or parts of laws not directly inconsistent herewith.

 

Section 11-46-7

Polling places for municipal elections in Class 1 municipalities.

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, except for those citizens of Birmingham that reside in Shelby County and those citizens of Birmingham that vote in the general election outside the Birmingham city limits, the polling places for municipal elections in any Class 1 municipality shall be the same as the polling places for general elections.

(b) The polling places in which the Class 1 municipal election are held shall be in compliance with the requirements of the U.S. Department of Justice for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, shall submit all required information to the U.S. Department of Justice for pre-clearance to hold the election in time to receive the appropriate approval and conduct the election at the time specified by law, and shall provide all notification to the voters of Birmingham regarding their assigned voting locations and any special procedures to be implemented to accommodate ballots for any city council district within the same polling place.

 

Section 11-46-8

Election of mayor and members of city council in Class 1 municipalities.

(a) This section shall only apply in a Class 1 municipality.

(b) Commencing with the municipal election in 2011, the mayor shall be elected for a two-year term of office. Commencing with the municipal election in 2013, and thereafter, the mayor and the members of the city council shall be elected at the same election for a four-year term of office.

 

Section 11-46-9

Election commission in Class 1 municipality. 

In any Class 1 municipality, the mayor, the city attorney, and the president of the city council shall constitute an election commission for the city. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the mayor or the president of the council is a candidate for office, the mayor shall appoint a member of the city council who is not a candidate for office to serve on the election commission for the election in which the mayor or the president is a candidate. In the event that both the mayor and the president of the council are candidates for office at the same election, the mayor shall appoint two members of the council who are not candidates for office to serve on the election commission in place of the mayor and the president. If the mayor and all members of the council are candidates for office at the same election, the mayor shall designate a senior member of his or her staff and the council president shall designate a senior member of the council administrative staff to serve in place of the mayor and the president.

The election commission shall have charge of and hold all municipal elections, including bond elections, initiative, referendum, and recall elections. The election commission shall appoint all election managers, clerks, and returning officers, designate places for the holding of municipal elections, shall arrange and prepare the ballot, shall decide as to the validity of all petitions necessary or incidental to elections, make such laws and rules as may be necessary to prohibit illegal voting, shall canvass the vote and declare the results of elections, and shall be custodian of the ballots after election until the time of filing contest shall have passed, after which they shall destroy the ballots in accordance with state election law. It shall be the duty of the commission to give notice of elections as required by law and to do and perform all acts relating to municipal elections, which are now or which may hereafter be vested by law in the governing body of the city. Two members of the commission shall constitute a quorum and may exercise the powers and duties herein mentioned. The city clerk or secretary of the city commission shall act as secretary of the commission. The expenses of elections shall be paid out of the city treasury.

 

Article 2 Elections in Certain Cities or Towns Having Mayor-Council Form of Government

 

Section 11-46-20 

Cities and towns governed by article; costs of elections; standard of time applicable; effect of legal holidays or closing days.

(a) General and special elections in cities and towns of this state, in all municipalities except Class 1 municipalities and except cities and towns organized under a commission form of government, shall be held and conducted at the times and in the manner prescribed in this article, and the expenses and costs incident to the conduct of all such elections shall be paid out of the treasury of the city or town holding the election.

(b) Whenever in this article an hour of the day is prescribed for the doing of any act, the time used shall be that of the official time established by the law of the State of Alabama then in effect.

(c) Whenever the last day on which an act may be done pursuant to this article falls on a legal holiday, as defined in Section 1-3-8, or on a day on which the office in which the act must be done is authorized by law to be closed, such act may be done on the next succeeding secular or working day.

 

Section 11-46-21 

Time of elections; notice; assumption of duties by elected officers.

(a) The regular municipal elections in cities and towns shall be held on the fourth Tuesday in August 1984, and quadrennially thereafter, and, when necessary as provided in subsection (d) of Section 11-46-55, a second or runoff election shall be held on the sixth Tuesday next thereafter following the regular election.

(b) Special elections shall be held on the second or fourth Tuesday of any month when ordered by the municipal governing body; provided, that notice of such election shall be published in the manner prescribed in Section 11-46-22 on or before the corresponding Tuesday of the second month preceding the month in which the special election is to be held.

(c) Municipal officers elected at regular elections shall assume the duties of their respective offices on the first Monday in November following their election unless otherwise provided in this article and shall serve until their successors are elected and qualified.

 

Section 11-46-22

Notice of elections.

(a) It shall be the duty of the mayor to give notice of all municipal elections by publishing notice thereof in a newspaper published in the city or town, and, if no newspaper is published in the city or town, then by posting notices thereof in three public places in the city or town. When the notice is of a regular election, the notice shall be published on the first Tuesday in July preceding the election or the first business day thereafter. When the notice is of a special election to be held on the second Tuesday in a month, the notice shall be published on or before the second Tuesday of the second month preceding the month in which the election will be held, except where otherwise provided by law. When the notice is of a special election to be held on the fourth Tuesday of a month, the notice shall be published on or before the fourth Tuesday of the second month preceding the month in which the election will be held, except where otherwise provided by law. Whenever and wherever two or more municipal offices of the same name (constituting a group) are to be filled at the regular election, prior to the first day of April preceding the election, the municipal governing body shall by ordinance designate each of the offices by number. When the offices have been designated by number, the notice of the election shall clearly indicate that the offices have been numbered and each candidate for the offices, in the announcement of his or her candidacy, shall designate the number of the office for which he or she is a candidate. Candidates may begin to qualify after the notice of election is given by the mayor.

(b) The notice of an election for municipal officers shall be substantially in the following form:

“Notice of Election of Municipal Officers

“Notice is hereby given that on (day of week), (date – month, day, and year) an election for the purpose of electing a mayor (or other chief executive) and the board of aldermen (town, city council, or other municipal governing body, or, if the positions on the governing board have been designated by number, the position numbers to be filled at the election) and the other officers as pursuant to duly enacted law or ordinance, or any or all of the officers, are to be elected at the election for the city (or town) of _____, Alabama, will be held, and that all registered and qualified electors of the state, who reside within the corporate limits of _____, Alabama, and have resided therein for 30 days or more immediately preceding the date of the election, and who are qualified to vote in the county precinct which embraces and covers that part of the corporate limits of the city (or town) in which the elector resides, will be authorized to participate in the election.

“The polls will be opened at (here list the places of voting which have been designated pursuant to Section 11-46-24). If necessary, a run-off election will be held on (day of the week), (date – month, day, year).”

Any qualified elector who will have resided within the municipality, or if the municipality is districted, within the district from which he or she seeks election, for a period of at least 90 days on election day may qualify to run for office by filing the appropriate forms and paying any appropriate fees, as otherwise provided by law.

 

Section 11-46-23

Authority and procedure for adjustment of boundary lines of wards, division of wards into voting districts, etc.

The boundaries of wards within municipalities which have been divided into wards as now defined shall so remain until changed by ordinance. Hereafter the municipal governing body may, in its discretion, readjust the boundary lines of wards and may divide or consolidate any number of wards and resubdivide the same into voting districts; provided, that no such adjustment shall be made within three months of any election unless such adjustment is made during calendar year 1984 for the purpose of complying with the Voting Rights Act of 1965 as amended.

Whenever the municipal governing body readjusts any ward lines or divides a ward into voting districts, the ordinance whereby the ward is established or subdivided into voting districts shall describe the territory composing the ward, and when the ward has been subdivided, the territory composing each district therein, by metes and bounds, and the municipal clerk, within five days after adoption of the ordinance, shall file with the judge of probate of the county in which the municipality lies a certified copy of such ordinance, accompanied by a map or plat of the city or town showing the bounderies of all wards and voting districts in wards into which the municipality is then divided and shall also publish notice of all such changes or adjustments of boundaries of wards and voting districts within wards in a newspaper published in such city or town, or if there is no newspaper is published therein then by posting notice thereof at three public places in such city or town. This published notice need not be accompanied by a map or plat of the city or town.

 

Section 11-46-24

Designating and equipping voting places; election officials; canvass returns.

(a) The municipal governing body may, when it orders an election, designate at least one place of voting in each ward and if the ward has been divided into voting districts then at least one place of voting in each district or the municipal governing body may establish and designate one central place (location) within the municipality as the place of voting for all wards. The number of voting boxes or voting machines as prescribed, shall be placed in a central place of voting for use by the electors.

The municipal governing body shall provide at least one machine or at least one box for the voters of each ward, provided that this requirement shall not apply to any municipality which uses electronic vote counters or tabulators or other devices that are regulated by the Alabama Electronic Voting Committee established in Chapter 24 of Title 17 that are capable of counting the ballots from all wards that vote at the central place of voting.

In each central place of voting where paper ballots are used the election officials shall consist of one returning officer, one chief inspector, who shall supervise the conduct of the other officials and the operation of the voting place, one inspector, and two clerks for each box. In the central place of voting where voting machines are used, the election officials shall consist of one chief inspector who shall supervise the conduct of the other officials and the operation of the voting place, one inspector, and one chief clerk and, for each voting machine to be used at the voting place there shall be appointed two assistant clerks. The election officials serving at voting places, shall be compensated for their services in the same manner and at the same rates provided by law for election officers pursuant to Section 11-46-27.

In wards or voting districts where paper ballots are used in which there are more than 300 legal voters, or where mechanical voting machines are used and there are more than 600 legal voters, or where electronic voting machines are used and there are more than 1,200 legal voters, the municipal governing body may divide alphabetically the list of qualified voters in the ward or voting district into groups and assign each qualified voter a designated voting place and a designated box or voting machine in the ward or voting district.

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the municipal governing body to designate more than one voting place in a ward which has not been subdivided, nor more than one voting place in a voting district, nor to provide more than one ballot box for every 300 qualified electors when paper ballots are used, or more than one voting machine for every 600 qualified electors where mechanical voting machines are used, or more than one voting machine for every 1,200 qualified electors where electronic voting machines are used. The number of counters or tabulators required in elections where devices are used that are regulated by the Alabama Electronic Voting Committee established in Chapter 24 of Title 17 shall be governed by regulations established by the committee.

In any municipal run-off election involving 50 percent or fewer races than were on the ballot during the general election, a municipal governing body shall not be required to provide more than one ballot box for every 600 qualified electors when paper ballots are used, or more than one voting machine for every 1,200 qualified electors where mechanical voting machines are used, or more than one voting machine for every 2,400 qualified electors where electronic voting machines are used.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) or another provision of this article, the governing body of a municipality may establish in a ward or in the municipality where voting machines are used a voting center, which term means a place in the ward or municipality which the governing body designates as a place where a voting machine or voting machines will be maintained or operated at elections.

The ordinance designating voting centers shall state the location of the voting center and, if the voting center shall be utilized in a ward, then the boundaries of the ward in which the electors shall reside to be entitled to vote at the voting center. The voting list furnished to the election officers serving at the voting center shall contain the names of all qualified electors of the ward or municipality on a single roll. If the roll contains more than 2,400 names, the list of qualified electors on the roll shall be divided into alphabetical sections of not more than 2,400 names per section.

No elector shall vote at a voting center other than the voting center of the ward of which he or she is a qualified elector, but an elector eligible to vote at a voting center may vote on a voting machine maintained at the voting center upon presentation of the identification card issued to him or her by an election officer serving at the voting center.

The municipal governing body shall determine the number of voting machines deemed necessary to serve adequately the voters at an election. There shall be maintained at each voting center at least one mechanical voting machine for each 600 qualified electors, or fraction thereof, or at least one electronic voting machine for each 1,200 qualified electors, or fraction thereof, residing in the ward served by the voting center. The number of counters or tabulators required in elections where devices are used that are regulated by the Alabama Electronic Voting Committee established in Chapter 24 of Title 17 shall be governed by regulations established by the committee.

If all ballots are the same in any municipal run-off election held at a voting center pursuant to this section, the municipal governing body shall not be required to provide more than one ballot box for every 600 qualified electors when paper ballots are used, or more than one voting machine for every 1,200 qualified electors where mechanical voting machines are used, or more than one voting machine for every 2,400 qualified electors where electronic voting machines are used.

For each voting center where only one voting machine is to be used, the election officials shall consist of an inspector, a chief clerk, and a first and second assistant clerk. For each voting center where more than one voting machine is to be used, there shall be appointed one chief inspector, who shall supervise the conduct of the other officials and the operation of the voting center, one inspector and one chief clerk and, for each voting machine to be used at the center, there shall be appointed two assistant clerks. For each voting center where four or more voting machines shall be used, there may be appointed two additional assistant clerks for each group of four voting machines or fraction thereof.

The municipal governing body shall, not less than 15 days before the holding of a municipal election, appoint from the qualified electors of the municipality or the ward officers to hold the election as provided in this article.

The officers shall perform all duties imposed on election officers by this article and in addition thereto the following duties: One of the election officers shall be assigned to each section of the voting list and the election officer shall issue to each elector at the time he or she checks the name off the list of qualified electors an identification card, which shall be presented to the assistant clerk in charge of the voting machine and surrendered to him or her when the voter enters the voting machine. The identification cards shall each have printed on them the words “voter identification card” and they shall contain a space in which shall be entered the signature of the election officer who delivered the card to the elector. The identification card shall bear neither a number nor the name of the voter. Identification cards shall be procured by the same officer who procures other election supplies and shall be paid for from the same funds that the cost of other election supplies are paid. The assistant clerk in charge of the voting machine shall require that each voter sign at the machine a poll list before he or she shall be allowed to enter the machine to vote. The poll list shall be signed or the name of the voter recorded pursuant to Section 17-7-15.

The returns of the canvass as required by law shall be filled out and verified and shall show the number of votes cast for each candidate, the number of votes cast for and against a proposition submitted, and shall be signed and certified by the chief inspector, if any, an inspector, or chief clerk, and not less than two assistant clerks.

Election officers serving at voting centers shall be compensated for their services in the same manner and at the same rates provided by law for election officers pursuant to Section 11-46-27.

It shall be the duty of all election officials to see that order is maintained in the polling place and the inspector shall see that the returns are filled out for each voting machine as required by law and delivered to the proper officials, that the records of the election relating to each machine are enclosed respectively in each machine, and that the list of qualified voters and other records relating to the election in general are enclosed in the appropriate voting machine.

 

Section 11-46-24.1

Designation of voting places in Class 8 municipalities by combination of districts and wards.

Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of Section 11-46-24, the municipal governing body of a Class 8 municipality, for the purpose of designating voting places in a municipal election, may provide by ordinance for the combination of any district in a ward with any other district in the ward, and may provide for the combination of any ward with one or more wards. Voting places shall be designated by the municipal governing body when it orders an election in the same manner as provided in Chapter 46.

 

Section 11-46-25 

Ballots; statements of candidacy; withdrawal of candidacy.

(a) In all municipal elections on any subject which may be submitted by law to a vote of the people of the municipality and for any municipal officers, if paper ballots are used, the voting shall be by official ballot printed and distributed as provided in subsections (c) and (d), and no ballot shall be received or counted in any election unless it is provided as prescribed by law.

(b) There shall be but one form of ballot for all the candidates for municipal office and every ballot provided for use at any polling place in a municipal election shall contain the names of all candidates who have properly qualified and have not withdrawn, as provided in subsection (g), together with the title of the office for which they are candidates.

(c) All ballots shall be printed in black ink on clear book paper. At the bottom of each ballot and at a point an equal distance from the sides thereof there shall be printed a one-inch square in which the number of the ballot shall be placed by the inspector when the ballot is cast. The arrangement of the ballot shall in general conform substantially to the plan given in subsection (f).

(d) Ballots shall be fastened together in convenient numbers in books or blocks in such manner that each ballot may be detached and removed separately, and each ballot shall have attached to it a stub of sufficient size to enable one of the inspectors to write or stamp his or her name or initials thereon and so attached to the ballot that when the same is folded the stub can be detached therefrom without injury to the ballot or exposing the contents thereof.

(e) Absentee ballots shall be in the form prescribed for absentee ballots by Title 17.

(f) The ballot shall be arranged in substantially the following form:

For Mayor
Vote for One

( ) John Doe
( ) Richard Roe

For City Council Place Number One

( ) _____________________
( ) _____________________

For City Council Place Number Two

( )_____________________
( ) _____________________
Etc.

(g) The mayor shall cause to be printed on the ballots the name of any qualified elector who, by 5:00 P.M. on the third Tuesday in July preceding the date set for the election, has filed a statement of candidacy, accompanied by an affidavit taken and certified by an officer authorized to take acknowledgments in this state that such person is duly qualified to hold the office for which the person desires to become a candidate. Such statement shall be substantially in the following form:

“State of Alabama, _____County. I, the undersigned, being first duly sworn, depose and say that I am a citizen of the city (or town) of _____, in said county, and reside at _____, in said city (or town); that I have been or will have been on the date of the municipal election a resident of said city (or town) for a period of not less than 90 days; that I desire to become a candidate for the office of _____ in said city (or town) for the term of _____ years at the election for such office to be held on the _____ day of _____ , 2__; that I am presently a qualified elector of the city (or town) of_____; and I hereby request that my name be printed upon the official ballot at said election.

“(Signed) ________________

“Subscribed and sworn to before me by said_____ on this ___ day of ___, 2__

“(Style of Officer) ________”

(h) No names shall be printed upon the ballot as candidates for election except the names of such persons as become candidates in the manner prescribed in subsection (g) nor may any person be a candidate or be permitted to file a declaration for more than one place or position in a group of offices of the same name when such offices have been designated by number as authorized in Section 11-46-22.

(i) All statements of candidacy filed with the mayor within the time prescribed in subsection (g) shall be preserved for six months after the election for which such statements of candidacy were filed.

(j) Any candidate may withdraw as a candidate by giving written notice to the mayor, at any time, prior to the date of the election. If a candidate withdraws, as herein provided, the election officials shall, if paper ballots are used in the election, draw a line in ink through the name of such candidate; the election officials shall, if voting machines are used in the election, paste or otherwise secure a strip of white paper over the name of such candidate. If electronic voting tabulators are used in the election, the name of the candidate shall be removed from the ballot in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines or instructions.

All written notices of withdrawal filed with the mayor shall be preserved for six months after the election.

 

Section 11-46-26

Proceedings where only one candidate or nominee for office.

In the event only one person has filed a statement of candidacy for an office by 5:00 P.M. on the third Tuesday in July preceding the date set for an election of municipal officers pursuant to subsection (g) of Section 11-46-25, then such person shall for all purposes be deemed elected to such office, any provisions of this article to the contrary notwithstanding. The mayor or other chief executive officer shall not cause the name of such person or the office for which his candidacy was declared to be printed on the ballot, but he shall immediately file a written statement with the governing body of the municipality, attested by the clerk, certifying the fact that only one person filed a statement of candidacy for the office of _____ (naming the office) by 5:00 P.M. on the third Tuesday in July preceding the day of _____, 2__, the date set for an election of municipal officers in the City (Town) of _____, Alabama, and setting forth the name of such person. At its first regular meeting after receiving such statement the governing body of the municipality shall adopt a resolution declaring the person named in the statement duly elected to the office described in the statement and shall issue a certificate of election to such person. For the purpose of this article, each place on the council of a municipality organized under the mayor-council form of government shall be considered a separate office.

 

Section 11-46-27

Appointment, compensation, etc., of election officers.

(a) The municipal governing body or a majority of them must, not less than 15 days before the holding of any municipal election, appoint from the qualified electors of the respective wards or voting districts officers to hold the election as follows: Where paper ballots are used, one returning officer for each ward and three inspectors and two clerks for each box at each voting place and, where voting machines are used, an inspector, a chief clerk, and a first and second assistant clerk for each voting machine; except that in the event voting centers or voting places are established, then the requirements of Section 11-46-24 shall control the number of election officials. In any Class 6, Class 7, or Class 8 municipality, election officials must reside within the municipality and may serve at any polling place within the municipality. An election official appointed to serve in a polling place other than where he or she would be required to vote based on residency, may vote by absentee ballot.

(b)

(1) No officer or employee of the municipality shall be eligible to serve as an election official.

(2) No kindred of any candidate or his or her spouse to the second degree, according to the civil law, shall be eligible to serve as an election official.

(c) In every city having, according to the last or any subsequent federal decennial census, 10,000 or more inhabitants, the municipal governing body shall also appoint from the qualified electors of the city one inspector and at least three clerks, who shall meet on the day of the election at such place and hour as the municipal governing body may designate for the purpose of receiving, counting, and returning the absentee ballots cast at such election, and four days before the election the municipal governing body shall ascertain the number of absentee ballots which have been cast at the election and, if more than 600 absentee ballots have been cast, then such governing body shall appoint three more inspectors and two more clerks for each 600 absentee ballots or fraction thereof cast at such election.

(d) In every city or town having less than 10,000 inhabitants, according to the most recent federal decennial census, the municipal governing body may adopt an ordinance at least six months prior to the date of the election to provide that at the time other election officials are appointed, the governing body shall appoint additional election officials who shall meet on the day of the election at the place and hour as the municipal governing body may designate for the purpose of receiving, counting, and returning the absentee ballots cast at the election. The ordinance shall enumerate the election officials the governing body will appoint for this purpose, but the number shall not be less than three. This ordinance shall remain in effect until repealed by a subsequent ordinance adopted at least six months prior to an election. These absentee election officials shall be in addition to other election officials required by law and shall be appointed at the same time and in the same manner as are other election officials. When the election officials are appointed, one of them shall be designated by the municipal governing body as the inspector.

(e) In the event a person appointed as an election official is excused from serving or otherwise disqualifies himself or herself prior to election day, the vacancy created thereby shall be filled by the municipal governing body or a majority of them in the same manner that original appointments are made; provided, however, that if the vacancy is among the officers appointed to serve at a polling place where voting machines will be used, after the school of instruction for election officials has been held as prescribed in subsection (a) of Section 11-46-30, a person who has received a certificate from a previous school of instruction shall, if possible, be appointed to fill the vacancy.

(f) The mayor or other chief executive officer of the municipality shall publish a list of the election officers so appointed, either by posting a list thereof showing the voting places and the election officers appointed for each voting place at three public places in the city or town or by publishing a list in a newspaper published in the city or town at least 10 days prior to the election.

(g) The mayor or other chief executive officer of the municipality shall notify the inspectors, clerks, and returning officers of their appointment.

(h) The returning officers, the inspectors, and the clerks at polling places where voting is solely by paper ballots shall be entitled to such compensation as the municipal governing body establishes but which in no event shall be less than eight dollars ($8) per day, and each election officer at a polling place where elections are conducted in whole or in part by voting machines shall be entitled to such compensation as the municipal governing body establishes but which in no event shall be less than eight dollars ($8) per day. The compensation of the election officials shall be paid as preferred claims out of the general fund of the municipality holding the election on proper proof of service rendered.

 

Section 11-46-28

Polling place hours; duties of election officers; challenger; deletion of absentee voter applicants from voter list; preservation of order.

(a) Every polling place shall open for voting at 7:00 A.M. and shall close at 7:00 P.M. and shall remain open for voting for not less than 12 consecutive hours. All polling places in areas operating on eastern time may open and close under this section pursuant to eastern time.

The election officers at voting places shall meet at the respective places of holding elections for which they have been appointed 30 minutes before the hour established by the municipal governing body to open the polls and shall at the designated hour open the several polling places as designated and keep them open without adjournment or recess until the hour established by the municipal governing body to close the polls and no longer.

(b) Any qualified elector entitled to vote at a polling place who has identified himself or herself with the election officials at the polling place by closing time shall be permitted to cast his or her ballot.

(c) Before entering upon their duties, the election officers must take an oath to perform their duties at the election according to law, and the oath may be administered either by any person authorized by law to administer oaths or by an election inspector.

(d) When paper ballots are used, the inspectors shall select one of their number, on opening the polls, to act as challenger, and the challenger shall ascertain if each person presenting himself or herself to vote is registered, the finding to be from an examination of the official list of the voters furnished by the mayor or other chief executive officer.

(e) Upon receipt of the list showing the names of every person whose name appears on the official list of qualified electors for that particular polling place who have applied for absentee ballots in the election, the election officials shall strike from the list of qualified electors kept at the polling place the name of every person who has applied for an absentee ballot, and no person who has applied for an absentee ballot shall vote again.

(f) Before the election officials commence receiving ballots, the election inspectors must cause it to be proclaimed aloud at the places of voting that the election is opened.

(g) After the polls have been opened, no adjournment or recess shall be taken until the certificate of the result of the election is signed.

(h) When voting machines are used, the election officials shall also comply with Section 11-46-47, and upon completing the duties thereby imposed shall formally declare the polls opened.

(i) The marshal, chief of police, or other chief law enforcement officer of the city or town shall preserve good order at all municipal elections held in the city or town, but not more than one officer shall at the same time be allowed to enter the polling place. Except as electors are admitted to vote and persons to assist them as provided in this article and except the above-mentioned law enforcement officers, the election officials, and the watchers, no person shall be permitted within 30 feet of the polling place.

 

Section 11-46-29

Appointment of election officers upon failure of others to attend polls.

On the failure of any person who has been duly appointed an election officer to attend the polls at the hour prescribed for his attendance, such of the election officers appointed for that voting box or machine as are present may appoint such election officers as are needed to complete the number of election officials for the box or machine. All persons so appointed shall be qualified electors who are entitled to vote at that polling place.

Should all the appointed election officers fail to be present at a polling place by the hour prescribed on election day, then any three qualified electors who are entitled by law to vote at that polling place at the election then to be held may open the polls, act as three of the election officers for such box or machine and appoint such other officers as are required to fill the place of those absent; provided, that every person so appointed shall be a qualified elector entitled to vote at the polling place. 

 

Section 11-46-30

 Schools for instruction of election officials in use of voting machines; qualifications and certification of election officials.

(a) When voting machines are to be used in any municipal election, the municipal governing body shall provide for holding a school or schools of instruction for those who will actually conduct the election. The municipal clerk shall notify those persons who have been appointed election officials of the time and place of the holding of such school of instruction and shall also publish notice thereof at least 48 hours before the same is to be held.

(b) No election official shall serve in any election district in which a voting machine is used, unless he has received such instruction, is fully qualified to perform the duties in connection with the machine and has received a certificate to that effect from the authorized instructor; provided, that this requirement shall not prevent the appointment of an uninstructed person as an election official to fill a vacancy among the election officials.

 

Section 11-46-31

Exhibition of voting machines for voter instruction and information; diagrams furnished with voting machines.

During the 30 days next preceding an election at which voting machines will be used, the municipal governing body shall place on public exhibition in public places and at times as it may deem most suitable for the information and instruction of the voters one or more voting machines, containing the ballot labels and showing the offices and questions to be voted upon and, so far as practicable, the names and arrangements of the candidates for office. The machines will be under the charge and care of a person competent as custodian and instructor. No voting machine which is to be assigned for use in an election shall be used for public exhibition and instruction after having been prepared and sealed for the election. This requirement shall not apply in any municipality which will use a vote tabulator that requires voters to fill out a card or paper ballot that will be read by the tabulator. In these municipalities, the municipal governing body shall, at least 30 days prior to the municipal election, place a sample of the ballot or vote card that will be used in the election on public exhibition in public places and at the times it deems most suitable for the information and instruction of the voters.

Prior to any election the municipal governing body may cause copies of any diagram or diagrams required to be furnished with voting machines at polling places to be made, either in full size or reduced size, and to be posted, published, advertised, or distributed among the electors in a manner as they may deem desirable.

 

Section 11-46-32

Election supplies.

(a) The mayor or other chief executive officer of the municipality shall at the expense of the municipality procure and superintend and insure the delivery to the election officers at each polling place within the corporate limits of the municipality of the necessary election supplies and shall also procure and deliver or cause to be delivered to the municipal clerk a sufficient number of the absentee ballots and the envelopes therefor prescribed by general laws and other supplies needed for the handling of absentee ballots in such election in the manner prescribed by general law. In the event the municipal clerk is a candidate in the election, he or she shall immediately upon receipt of the absentee ballots and other supplies deliver the same to the person appointed pursuant to Section 11-46-55 to act in his or her stead.

(b) When paper ballots are used, such supplies shall consist of: At least 100 ballots for each 50 registered electors at each voting place; the same number of black seals, two inches square, around the outer edge of which is a mucilaginous surface one-fourth inch wide, so designed that a seal may be placed securely over the square bearing the ballot number in such manner that it will make it impossible to read such number without removing the seal yet such seal may be removed without obliterating the number; ballot boxes; blank poll lists; three or more cards of instructions to voters for each ward or voting district, which shall be printed in large clear type and shall contain full instructions to electors as to what should be done, first, to obtain ballots for voting, second, to prepare the ballot for deposit in the ballot box, third, to obtain a new ballot in place of one accidentally spoiled and, fourth, to obtain a watcher for each candidate to be voted for; certificates of results; oaths; and any other stationery, blank forms, or supplies necessary in the conduct of the election.

(c) When voting machines are used, such supplies shall consist of: Ballot labels; diagrams; blanks for keeping a record of assisted voters; seals; blank forms for a statement of canvass of the votes cast on each machine, such forms to conform to the type of voting machine to be used and the designating number and letter if the construction of the machine is such as to require a designating number and letter of each candidate or proposition to be printed next to the candidate’s name on the statement of canvass; and all other necessary election supplies for use on voting machines.

 

Section 11-46-33

Duties of clerk as to voting machines.

(a) Whenever voting machines are to be used in any municipal election the municipal clerk shall:

(1) Cause the proper ballot labels to be placed on the voting machines;

(2) Cause the machines to be placed in proper working order for voting;

(3) Examine all voting machines in the presence of authorized watchers for any interested persons before they are sent out to the polling places;

(4) See that all the registering counters are set at zero;

(5) Lock, in the presence of authorized watchers, all voting machines so that the counting machinery cannot be operated; and

(6) Seal each one with a numbered seal, a list of which numbered seals and the number on the protective counters, together with the number of the voting place to which it was sent shall be kept as a permanent record in such clerk’s office, open to any citizen.

(b) The inspection and sealing of voting machines shall begin not later than 9:00 A.M., of the Monday before any election at which such machines are to be used and shall continue until all machines are sealed. When all machines are locked and sealed, the key to each machine shall be placed in an envelope and sealed, the signature of the municipal clerk and the signature of two watchers of opposed interest, if such there shall be, shall be placed across the seal, and on the envelope shall be written the number then on the protective counter and the number on the seal of the voting machines. This envelope shall be delivered to the election inspector who will serve as an election officer at the polling place where such machine is used.

(c) It shall be the duty of the municipal clerk to see that a voting machine or machines, together with an instruction model for each machine showing a portion of the face of such machine in use at such election, is delivered to each and every polling place where machines are required by law to be used at least one hour before the time set for opening the polls in such ward. After the machine has been delivered, the clerk shall cause such machine to be set up in the proper manner and cause protection to be given so that such machine shall be free from molestation and injury. The protective curtains shall be examined to see that they properly conceal the actions of the voter while such voter is operating the machine. All poll lists and necessary supplies shall be delivered to the inspector at the same time the key or keys to the machine are delivered.

(d) Except as otherwise provided by law, the term voting machines, as used in this title, shall not include electronic vote counting systems as defined in Title 17.

 

Section 11-46-34

Voting booths.

For all elections at which paper ballots will be used, the chief executive officer of the municipality at the expense of the municipality shall provide at each polling place in all municipalities having a population of over 3,000 inhabitants a room or covered enclosure and in such room or covered enclosure shall provide booths or compartments, one booth or compartment for each 100 or fraction thereof over 50 electors registered in the ward or wards in such municipality for that election, and shall furnish each booth or compartment with a shelf or table for the convenience of the electors in the preparation of their ballots. Each booth or compartment shall be so arranged that it will be impossible for one elector at a shelf or table in one compartment to see an elector at a shelf or table in another compartment in the act of marking his ballot. Each voting shelf or table shall be kept supplied with conveniences for marking the ballots. In voting places in municipalities having a population of 3,000 inhabitants or less no booths shall be required.

 

Section 11-46-35

Watchers.

(a) Each candidate may name a watcher for every polling place. As used in this subsection, a polling place shall mean a location for ballot boxes or voting machines, regardless of the number thereof.

(b) The watcher, upon presentation of his or her appointment in writing and being sworn faithfully to observe the rule of law prescribed for the conduct of elections, shall be permitted to be present at the place where ballots are cast from the time the polls are opened until the ballots are counted and certificates of the result of the election are duly signed by the proper election officers. The function of the watcher is to observe activities at the polling place. The watcher may not disturb voters, attempt to influence voters, campaign, or display or wear any campaign material or buttons while inside any polling place.

(c) When paper ballots are used at the election, the watcher shall be permitted to see the ballots as they are called during the count.

(d) When voting machines are used, the watchers shall, upon presentation of their appointment in writing, be permitted to be present when the machines are being prepared and sealed for use at the election. On election morning the watcher may witness the breaking of the seal on the envelope containing the key or keys to the voting machines, and, when the machine has been unlocked and the counters exposed, he or she shall carefully examine each and every counter to see that it registers zero, and he or she shall also examine the ballots and satisfy himself or herself that they are in their proper places on the machine and that the machine is properly placed. The watcher must also sign a certificate setting out the above facts, as required by subsection (c) of Section 11-46-47. He or she may also be present and witness the opening of the machine after the polls have closed, the reading and tabulating of the result of the election as recorded on the voting machine and the resealing of the machine.

 

Section 11-46-36

Preparation, certification, filing, and publication of lists of qualified regular voters.

(a) The mayor or other chief executive officer of the city or town shall cause to be made a list of the qualified voters who reside within the corporate limits of such city or town and who are registered to vote regular ballots, dividing the same into separate alphabetical lists of the qualified voters of each ward where such city or town has been divided into wards and all qualified voters thereof vote at one box or voting machine, or dividing such list into separate alphabetical lists of voters authorized to vote at each respective box or voting machine if the list of qualified voters has been divided alphabetically and each alphabetical group assigned a box or machine at which to vote. He or she shall have such lists compared with the official list of electors qualified to vote during the current year on file in the probate office of the county in which the municipality is situated and shall certify on each list prepared pursuant to this section that it is a correct list of the voters who are qualified to vote regular ballots in the municipality, ward, ballot box, or voting machine to which it appertains. He or she shall have full access to all registration lists of the county for this purpose. A copy of each list so prepared shall be filed with the municipal clerk, who shall file and retain each such list as a public record in his or her office, on or before the third Tuesday in July before a regular municipal election. The clerk shall prepare a copy of the list of qualified voters authorized to vote at each of the respective polling places in the municipality, and, prior to the opening of the polls on election day, he or she shall furnish to the inspectors, or one of them, of each ballot box or voting machine at each polling place a copy of the list of qualified voters authorized to vote at the box or voting machine for which he or she was appointed an inspector. The clerk shall also publish the list of qualified voters authorized to vote at the ensuing election at least five days prior to the election by posting copies thereof in at least three public places in the municipality.

(b) Following each election, the municipal clerk shall make a copy of that portion of the poll list to be made a public record and shall maintain the original in his or her office. The clerk shall redact any information required to be redacted pursuant to Section 17-4-33 from the copy to be made a public record. This subsection shall not affect poll lists used at local precincts.

 

Section 11-46-37

Preparation, etc., of lists of qualified voters upon disqualification of mayor, etc.

In the event the mayor or other chief executive officer of any city or town is a candidate in any municipal election held under the provisions of this article, he shall be disqualified to perform the duties set forth in Section 11-46-36, and said duties shall be performed by a disinterested person appointed by the board of aldermen or other governing body of the city or town.

 

Section 11-46-38

 

Electors to vote in wards or precincts of residence, etc.; qualifications for voting.

(a) At all municipal elections, a qualified elector may vote only in the ward or precinct of his or her residence where he or she is registered to vote.

(b) An individual may not vote at any municipal election unless he or she is a qualified elector of the State of Alabama, has resided in the county 30 days and in the ward 30 days prior to the election, and has registered to vote in conformance with the time frame set forth in Section 17-3-50; provided, however, if a qualified elector relocates his or her residence from one ward to another ward in the same city or town within the 30-day period prior to the election, the elector shall have the right to vote in the ward where the elector had previously resided if he or she would have been entitled to vote in that ward but for relocating to the new ward. If any elector attempts to vote in any ward other than that of his or her residence, except as authorized in this section, his or her vote must be rejected.

 

Section 11-46-39

 Oath and identification of voters challenged; voting procedure where paper ballots used.

(a) Where paper ballots are used, the inspector, upon the elector’s entering the polling place, shall examine the list of qualified electors furnished by the clerk pursuant to subsection (a) of Section 11-46-36, and, if it appears from this examination that the person is a qualified elector of the state authorized to vote at that box, the inspector shall then give the person one ballot on the stub of which the inspector shall write or shall have already written his or her name or initials. If the person’s name does not appear on the list of qualified voters for that ward or box, the person may not vote except by provisional ballot.

(b) In cities of more than 3,000 inhabitants, each elector on receiving a ballot shall forthwith and without leaving the polling place retire alone to one of the booths or compartments provided for that purpose and there prepare the ballot in the manner provided in this article. In all other cities or towns the elector may prepare the ballot at any point within the polling place.

(c) Any elector who shall by accident or mistake spoil a ballot so that the elector cannot conveniently or safely vote the same may return it to the inspectors and receive another in lieu thereof which must be voted or returned by such elector.

(d) After preparing the ballot the elector shall fold the same so as to conceal the face thereof and show the stub thereto attached with the name or initial of the inspector and hand it to the receiving inspector, who must receive the folded ballot and call the name of the elector audibly and distinctly.

(e) One of the clerks shall immediately enter on one of the lists headed names of voters and called poll lists the name of such elector opposite the number indicating the order in which electors vote, the first elector voting being numbered one, the second two, and so on to the last elector voting, and at the same time the other clerk shall see that the elector whose name was called shall immediately sign his or her own name on another poll list on a line bearing the same number appearing opposite such elector’s name on the above-mentioned poll list, unless such elector because of physical handicap or illiteracy is unable to write his or her own name on such list. If the voter is physically handicapped, an election official shall write the name of such voter on the list together with the cause of assistance and shall sign his or her own name on the poll list on the same line with the voter’s name. If the voter is unable to sign his or her name because of illiteracy, the name shall be written for the voter and the voter shall, in the presence of one of the election officials, make his or her mark upon the poll list. The election official witnessing the act shall record his or her name as witness on the same line with the name of the voter.

(f) The receiving inspector shall then write the number of the ballot in the square provided therefor and forthwith, in the presence of the voter, shall place one of the black seals furnished along with the other election supplies over the square in such manner as to make it impossible to see the number placed therein without removing the seal, yet so that the seal may be removed without obliterating the number placed in the square. After numbering the ballot the inspector shall detach the stub and pass the ballot to each of the other inspectors, and it must then, without being opened or examined, be deposited in the proper ballot box.

 

Section 11-46-40

Assistance of disabled electors generally.

When paper ballots are used, any elector applying to vote who shall state under oath to any of the inspectors (which oath may be administered by any one of the inspectors) that by reason of his inability to write the English language, or by reason of blindness or the loss of the use of his hand or hands he is unable to prepare his ballot may have the assistance of any person he may select. In such case, said elector must remain within the polling place, and the inspector shall send for the person selected. If the person first selected cannot be found, then such elector may select another person to assist him. The person so selected shall render said elector all such assistance in the preparation of his ballot as he may require so that the ballot may be voted for the candidate of his choice in the manner provided in this article. In cities of more than 3,000 inhabitants, the elector and the person selected to assist him shall retire to a booth or compartment and there prepare the elector’s ballot. In all other cities and towns they shall be permitted to prepare it at any point in the polling place.

 

Section 11-46-42

Number of electors allowed in polling place; time limit, etc., for occupation of booth.

Where paper ballots are used, no more than 10 electors shall be allowed in the polling place at the same time.

In all elections for which voting booths or compartments have been provided, if all such booths or compartments are occupied and other electors are waiting to vote, no elector shall occupy a booth or compartment for a longer time than five minutes. No elector shall be allowed to occupy a booth or compartment already occupied by another nor to speak or converse with anyone except as provided in this article while in the polling place. After having voted or declined or failed to vote within five minutes, the elector shall immediately withdraw from the polling place and go beyond the prohibited distance and shall not enter the polling place again.

 

Section 11-46-43

Right of secret ballot; write-in voting prohibited.

(a) Every voter in a municipal election shall have the right to vote a secret ballot which shall be kept secret and inviolate.

(b) Electors shall not be entitled to vote for any person whose name does not appear on the ballot, and no elector shall write in the name of any person on the ballot.

 

Section 11-46-44

Votes not to be counted until polls closed; disposition of poll lists and affidavits; counting of ballots.

(a) No votes shall be counted until the polls are closed.

(b) Immediately after the polls are closed at elections where paper ballots are used, the poll list signed by the voters and the poll list made by one of the clerks shall be sealed in separate envelopes and labelled before the inspectors begin to count the votes.

(c) As soon as this is done, the ballots cast shall be counted in the following manner: The returning officer or one of the inspectors must take the ballots one by one from the box in which they were deposited, at the same time reading aloud the name of each person receiving a vote and the office for which the person received the vote, and they must separately keep a calculation of the number of votes each person receives and for what office the person receives them. If the elector has marked more than there are persons to be elected to an office or if for any reason it is impossible to determine the elector’s choice for any office to be filled, the ballot shall not be counted for that office, but this shall not vitiate the ballot so far as properly marked nor shall any ballot be rejected for any technical error which does not make it impossible to determine the elector’s choice.

 

Section 11-46-45

Preparation of statements of vote; certification, sealing, and delivery of statements and poll lists; packaging of ballots; sealing and delivery of ballot boxes.

(a) At elections where paper ballots are used, as soon as the ballots are all counted, the inspectors must ascertain the number of votes received for each person and for what office and must make a statement of same in writing. Each of the inspectors must sign this statement and must also certify in writing on the sealed envelope containing the poll list signed by the electors that such poll list is the poll list of the election in the ward or voting place at which they were inspectors, the day and year on which such election was held and for what offices. The statement of the vote and the poll list thus certified, together with a list of the registered electors qualified to vote at such voting place at such election on such day, must be sealed up in an envelope furnished along with the other election supplies and addressed to the municipal governing body. Each of the inspectors shall write his or her name across every fold at which the envelope when fastened could be opened, and such envelope shall be delivered immediately to the returning officer of the ward, who shall deliver it to the municipal clerk along with the ballot box within the time prescribed in subsection (c).

(b) As soon as the ballots contained in a ballot box have been counted and the statement of the vote prepared as directed in subsection (a), the inspectors shall roll up the ballots so counted, seal the bundle thereof, and label the same as to show for what officer or officers the ballots contained therein were received. The rejected ballots, if any, shall also be rolled up, the package thereof labelled as rejected ballots and sealed up as the other parcel of ballots. These sealed packages, together with the sealed poll list made by one of the clerks, shall be returned by the inspectors to the ballot box from which the ballots were taken and the ballot box shall be securely sealed and labelled so as to show the nature of its contents. The inspectors shall also attach to the outside of the box a slip of paper or other device showing the total votes received by each candidate voted for in such election.

(c) The envelope containing the statement of the votes prepared pursuant to subsection (a) and the sealed ballot box shall be delivered to the returning officer of the ward who shall immediately and in any event not later than 11:00 A.M. of the next day after the polls have closed deliver them to the municipal clerk, who shall thereupon give such returning officer a receipt stating therein the condition of the box when received.

 

Section 11-46-46 

Delivery of returns, etc.; retention and destruction of ballot boxes; opening of ballot boxes.

(a) At the time appointed by the municipal governing body to canvass the returns of the election the municipal clerk shall deliver to the governing body the envelopes addressed to the governing body, which were delivered to him or her by the returning officers of the several wards in the city or town immediately after the votes had been counted and the returns thereof prepared.

(b) The clerk shall securely keep the ballot boxes until it is known that there will be no contest, but in any event not less than six months, and, if in that time no contest has been properly instituted, the clerk shall then destroy the contents of the boxes without examining the same.

(c) No ballot box shall be opened except in one of the following events:

(1) In the event of a contest, where the opening of a box has been ordered by the court hearing the contest, in which event the ballot box shall be opened by or under the supervision of the judge ordering the opening of a box and in the manner prescribed by him or her.

(2) For the purpose of canvassing the returns and obtaining the result of the election in a particular ward or voting district from the contents of the box when the box has been returned, but no certificate of the result of the election has been separately delivered to the municipal governing body by the election inspectors. If a box is opened for this latter purpose the certificate of result contained therein, if any, and if no certificate of result is enclosed, then any other of the contents of the box, so far as necessary, may be used to determine the result of the election, after which the papers shall be returned into the box and the box shall be resealed in the presence of the municipal governing body, and the box shall then be retained without again opening it for the time prescribed in subsection (b).

(3) For the purpose of conducting a recount of the ballots as otherwise allowed by law.

 

Section 11-46-47

Delivery, examination, and identification of keys to voting machines; examination of counters, ballots, etc.; certification as to keys, counters, and ballots; opening of machines and polls.

(a) Whenever voting machines are used for municipal elections, the key or keys to the voting machine or machines, still in the envelopes in which they were placed when the machines were sealed for this election pursuant to subsection (b) of Section 11-46-33 and with the seals thereof unbroken and all other necessary election supplies shall be delivered to the inspector of each poll at least 30 minutes before the time for opening the polls. The inspector shall compare the number appearing on the envelope containing the key or keys with the number shown in the protective counter, and, if these numbers are not identical, he shall not break the seal on the envelope containing the keys, and he shall immediately so notify the municipal clerk or his representative, who shall immediately deliver the correct key or keys or another properly sealed machine. If the numbers on the envelope and the respective numbers on the seal and on the protective counter are found to be the same, the inspectors shall open the door concealing the counters.

(b) Before the polls are declared open the election officials and each authorized watcher or any interested person shall carefully examine each and every counter and see that it registers zero and shall examine the ballots and satisfy themselves that the ballots are in their proper place on the machine. The election officials shall post the sample ballots and the model for the guidance of voters at conspicuous points about the polling place. All persons authorized to be in the polling place shall satisfy themselves that the voting machine is properly placed and that the face of the machine is turned so that the election officials and the public may obtain a clear and unobstructed view of the same at all times except when the curtain on the machine is closed for the casting of the ballot.

(c) The election officials and at least two watchers of opposing interests (if any there shall be) shall then sign a certificate setting out that the keys were delivered intact, that the numbers on the protective counter and seal correspond with that on the envelope, that all the counters were set at zero and that the ballot labels were in their proper places. If any counter, however, does not register zero, the inspector shall summon the custodian of the machine, who shall set the counter back to zero.

(d) The machine shall then be opened for voting and the polls formally declared open.

 

Section 11-46-48

Provision of election materials and supplies; preparation of lighting facilities; posting and placement of diagrams and models.

The municipal clerk shall furnish and deliver with each voting machine: Lighting facilities which shall give sufficient light to enable voters while in the voting machine booth to read the ballot labels and suitable for the use of election officers in examining the counters; a model and two diagrams or sample ballots of suitable size, representing such part of the face of such voting machine as will be in use in the election, and accompanied by directions for voting on the machine; a seal or seals for sealing the machine after the polls are closed; an envelope for the return of the keys, if the construction of the voting machine shall permit their separate return; and such other election materials and supplies as may be necessary.

The lighting facilities above mentioned shall be prepared and in good order for use before the opening of the polls. The diagrams shall be posted prominently outside the voting booth for the instruction of electors. The model shall be placed in the polling place and at or outside the guard rail or barrier.

 

Section 11-46-49

Election officers for voting machines; duties.

(a) At all elections where voting machines are used, there shall be the following election officers for each voting machine: An inspector, a chief clerk, and a first and a second assistant clerk; except, in the event voting centers are established, then the requirements of Section 11-46-24 shall control the number of election officials.

(b) The inspector shall be in general charge of the poll, shall see that the counter compartments of the machine are never unlocked or opened so that the counters are exposed during voting, shall see that the other election officers perform the duties imposed on them by this section, shall keep a record of all voters at such machine who received assistance pursuant to subsection (a) of Section 11-46-51, and all other records required by this article, and immediately after the polls have closed and the statement of the returns has been made, shall deliver such statement and the key or keys to the machine to the municipal clerk. He shall also act as challenger.

(c) The chief clerk shall examine the list of qualified electors and check off the names of voters which appear thereon as they vote.

(d) The first assistant clerk shall attend the poll list and see that each voter signs his name thereon in the order in which he votes.

(e) The second assistant clerk shall attend the voting machine at all times and see that it is not tampered with. He shall also inspect the ballot labels at frequent intervals to see that none have been tampered with and that the machine has not been injured.

 

Section 11-46-50

Identification of voters where voting machines used; voting procedure; assistance of voters; provisional ballot.

(a) The election officials, where voting machines are used, shall ascertain whether each applicant to vote is entitled to vote, and each applicant found to be entitled to vote shall be permitted to vote in the manner provided in this article. Each applicant to vote shall identify himself or herself to the chief clerk, who shall examine the list of qualified electors furnished by the municipal clerk and, if such voter’s name appears on such list, the chief clerk shall mark the applicant’s name off the list. The applicant, unless unable to write his or her own name because of physical handicap or illiteracy, shall then sign his or her name on the poll list on the line numbered to indicate the order in which the voters cast their ballots, and the clerk shall record the voter’s name on a second poll list on the line numbered to indicate the order in which the voter cast his or her ballot. Thereafter, the voter shall be admitted within the voting machine booth and permitted to vote.

(b) If the applicant is unable to sign his or her name because of physical disability or illiteracy, his or her name shall be written for him or her in the manner prescribed in subsection (e) of Section 11-46-39 for the writing of names of voters on the poll list at polls where paper ballots are used.

(c) If the applicant’s name is not on the list of qualified voters, the applicant shall not be allowed to vote except by provisional ballot.

 

Section 11-46-51

Instruction of voters in use of machines; oath, etc., of disabled voters; assistance of voters.

(a) The election officers shall, with the aid of the diagrams authorized by this article and the mechanically operated model, instruct each voter before he enters the voting machine booth regarding the operation of the machine and shall give the voter opportunity personally to operate the model. No voter shall be permitted to receive any assistance in voting at any election, unless he shall first state in writing upon printed forms supplied for that purpose and under oath or affirmation, which shall be administered to him by the inspector, that he is blind or that he cannot read the names on the voting machines or that, by reason of physical disability, he is unable to see the machine or prepare it for voting or to enter the voting machine booth without assistance. The voter shall state the specific physical disability which requires him to receive assistance. Thereupon the voter may request assistance of two inspectors of his choice or some other person of his own choice and he shall be assisted by the two election officials of his choice or by such other person who shall aid him in voting, and the inspector shall forthwith enter in writing on the record of assisted voters the voter’s name, the fact that the voter cannot read the names on the voting machine, if that shall be the reason for requiring assistance and, otherwise, the specific physical disability which requires him to receive assistance and the name of the election officials or such other person furnishing the assistance. Further, should an illiterate voter desire the assistance of a federal observer in casting his ballot, the election officials shall permit such federal observer to assist such illiterate voter in casting his ballot.

If any voter, after entering the voting machine booth and before the closing of such booth shall ask for further instruction concerning the manner of voting, he may choose an election officer or other person of his choice who shall give him such instructions, but no official or other person giving a voter such instructions shall in any manner request, suggest, or seek to persuade or induce any such voter to vote any particular ticket, or for any particular candidate or for or against any particular question. After giving such instructions and before the elector closes the booth or votes, the election officer or other person shall retire, and the voter shall forthwith vote.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any official to assist a voter who has not made the oath required in subsection (a) of this section, or for an official or any other person to do anything to enable himself to see how any voter votes other than in the course of assisting a voter as provided in subsection (a) of this section.

 

Section 11-46-52

Closing of polls; locking of machines; announcement of results; statements of canvass; proclamation; disposition of voting materials.

(a) When the time arrives for closing the polls, all qualified voters who are then waiting within the voting room to vote shall be permitted by the election officers to do so. As soon as the last voter has voted and the poll closed, the election officials shall immediately lock the machines against voting.

(b) The election officials shall then sign a certificate stating that the machine was locked and sealed, giving the exact time. Such certificate shall also state the number of voters shown on the public counters, which shall be the total number of votes cast on such machine in that ward, the number on the seal, and the number registered on the protective counter.

(c) The election officials shall then open the counting compartment in the presence of the watchers and of at least one representative of any newspaper or press association which cares to be represented, giving full view of all the counter numbers. The inspector shall, under the scrutiny of the watchers, in the order of the officers as their titles are arranged on the machines, read and announce in distinct tones the designating number and letter on each counter for each candidate’s name, if the construction of the voting machine is such as to require a designating number and letter, and the result as shown by the counter numbers. He or she shall in the same manner announce the result on each constitutional amendment, bond proposition, or any other question voted on.

(d) The vote as registered shall be entered on the statements of canvass in ink by the clerks, such entries to be made in the same order on the space which has the same designating number and letter if the construction of the voting machine is such as to require a designating number and letter, after which the figures shall again be verified by being called off in the same manner from the counters of the machines. The returns of the canvass as required by law shall then be filled out, verified and shall show the number of votes cast for each candidate, the number of votes cast for and against any proposition submitted, and shall be signed by the election officials. The counter compartments of the voting machine shall remain open throughout the time of the making of all statements and certificates and the official returns and until such have been fully verified, and during such time the watchers of any candidate or any representative of any newspaper shall be admitted.

(e) The proclamation of the result of the votes cast shall be deliberately announced in a distinct voice by the inspector who shall read the name of each candidate with the designating number and letter, if the construction of the voting machine is such as to require a designating number and letter, his or her counter and the vote registered on such counter and also the vote cast for and against each proposition submitted. During such proclamation, ample opportunity shall be given to any person lawfully entitled to be in the polling place to compare the results announced with the counter dials of the machine and any necessary corrections shall then and there be made, after which the doors of the voting machine shall be locked and sealed with the seal provided, so sealing the operating lever or electrical control, if an electrically operated machine, that the voting and counting mechanism will be prevented from operation.

(f) The record of assisted voters, the oaths of assisted voters, the poll list and a copy of the list of qualified electors shall be placed in the voting machine, if the machine is so constructed that this may be done, and if these items cannot be placed in the machine, then they shall be sealed in an envelope or package, across the seal of which each election official shall sign his or her own name, and this envelope or package shall be delivered to the municipal clerk and retained by him or her unopened for the time prescribed by subsection (b) of Section 11-46-53 for the retention of records of elections. The inspectors shall deliver to the municipal clerk the keys of the machine, enclosed in a sealed envelope, across the seal of which shall be written his or her own name, together with that of the other election officials, and on this envelope shall be recorded the date of the election, the number of the voting district, the number of the seal with which the machine was sealed, the number of the public counter, and the number on the protective counter.

 

Section 11-46-53

Voting machines to remain locked during period for filing of contests; when seals of machines may be broken; disposition of records taken from machines.

(a) The voting machines shall remain locked against voting for the time provided by law for the filing of contests and then shall have the seal broken only on the order of the municipal governing body and if, in the opinion of such body, the contest has developed or is likely to develop, and shall remain locked until such times as ordered by the court hearing the contest or until a final determination thereof; provided, that on the order of any court of competent jurisdiction or on the order of the municipal governing body, the seal may be broken for the purpose of proper investigation. When such investigation is completed, the machine shall again be sealed and across the envelope containing the keys shall be written the signature of the person or persons having broken same; provided further, that in the event another election is held during the time for which the machines are required by this subsection to be locked and the machines are needed at such election, the municipal governing body shall be authorized to break the seal and make a record of the numbers on all counters on each machine and to remove all of the election records from the machine.

(b) The municipal governing body shall securely seal all records taken from a machine in an envelope or package and on the outside thereof label the package in such manner as to indicate plainly the machine from which they were removed and the month, day, and the year, of the election of which they are records. Each member of the municipal governing body present when the machines were opened shall certify to the accuracy of the records of the numbers on the counters and shall sign the envelope or package across the seal. This certificate and all other records removed from the voting machines shall be delivered to the municipal clerk and preserved by him for the same length of time prescribed in subsection (b) of Section 11-46-46 for the retention of paper ballots and then destroyed in the same manner that paper ballots are destroyed.

 

Section 11-46-54 

Designation, etc., of custodians of voting machines and keys; transportation, storage, and protection of machines.

(a) The governing body of any municipality procuring voting machines shall designate a person or persons who shall have the custody of the voting machines and the keys therefor when the machines are not in use at an election and shall provide for his compensation and for the safe storage and care of the machines and keys.

(b) All voting machines, when not in use, shall be properly boxed or covered and stored in a suitable place or places by said custodian. The same authority that caused the delivery of the voting machines shall be charged with transporting such machines back to the custodian and shall furnish all necessary protection to see that such machines are not molested nor injured from the time such machines leave the place where they are regularly stored until they are turned over to the custody of the officials of a voting district and from the time that custody ceases on the part of the voting district officials and the machines are returned to the place of regular storage.

 

Section 11-46-55 

Canvassing of returns and certificate of election; determination of majority; runoff elections.

(a) Commencing at 12:00 noon on the first Tuesday next after the election, the municipal governing body shall proceed to open the envelopes addressed to the governing body which have been delivered by the several returning officers to the municipal clerk, canvass the returns, and ascertain and determine the number of votes received by each candidate and for and against each proposition submitted at the election. If it appears that any candidate or any proposition in the election has received a majority of the votes cast for that office or on that question, the municipal governing body shall declare the candidate elected to the office or the question carried, and a certificate of election shall be given to the persons by the municipal governing body or a majority of them, which shall entitle the persons so certified to the possession of their respective offices immediately upon the expiration of the terms of their predecessors as provided by law. If the certification results of provisional ballots cast at the election have been received from the board of registrars prior to the first Tuesday next after the election, or if no provisional votes were cast in the election, the municipal governing body, at any special or regular meeting, may canvas the results before the first Tuesday next after the election.

(b) If a single office is to be filled at the election and there is more than one candidate therefor, then the majority of the votes cast for the office in the election shall be ascertained by dividing the total votes cast for all candidates for the office by two, and any number of votes in excess of one half of the total votes cast for all candidates for the office shall be a majority within the meaning of subsection (a).

(c) If two or more offices constituting a group are to be filled and there are more candidates for election than there are offices, then the majority of the votes cast for the office in the election shall be ascertained by dividing the total vote cast for all candidates for the offices by the number of positions to be filled and then dividing the result by two. Any number of votes in excess of the number ascertained by the last division shall be the majority prescribed in subsection (a) as necessary for election. If in ascertaining the result in this way it appears that more candidates have obtained this majority than there are positions to be filled, then those having the highest vote, if beyond the majority just defined, shall be declared elected to fill such positions.

(d) If no candidate receives a majority of all the votes cast in such election for any one office or offices for the election to which there were more than two candidates, then the municipal governing body shall order a second or runoff election to be held on the sixth Tuesday next thereafter following the regular election, at which election the two candidates having received the most and the second most votes, respectively, shall be candidates, and the person receiving the highest number of votes for that office in the runoff election shall be declared elected. If only two candidates are standing for election for any one office or offices and neither candidate receives a majority, then the municipal governing body shall order a second or runoff election to be held on the sixth Tuesday next thereafter following the regular election, at which election the two candidates shall be candidates, and the person receiving the highest number of votes for that office in the runoff election shall be declared elected. In the event one of the candidates for a particular office in the runoff election withdraws, then there need not be a second election to fill the office nor shall the name of either the party so withdrawing or the remaining candidate be printed on the ballot of any second election held under this article. This second election shall be held by the same election officers who held the first election and at the same places the first election was held. If there should be a tie vote cast at any runoff election, then in that event the tie shall be decided by the municipal governing body no later than 12:00 noon on the first Tuesday following the second or runoff election. A vote for a particular candidate by a majority of those members eligible to vote of the governing body shall be necessary to decide the election in his or her favor. If the municipal governing body fails to break the tie, the elected candidate shall be decided by lot by the judge of probate of the county no later than 5:00 P.M. on the first Tuesday following the second or runoff election in the presence of the candidates and other electors who choose to be present. No probate judge who openly participated in the promotion of candidates in the election which resulted in a tie shall decide the outcome of the election and shall be disqualified to do so. The presiding circuit court judge in the county in which the election was held shall replace the disqualified probate judge and shall conduct the duties required herein. The municipal clerk shall file a copy of each certificate of election in the office of the judge of probate of the county in which the city or town is situated, and the judge shall file the certificate in the same manner that he or she files the declaration of the result of elections to county offices.

 

Section 11-46-55.1

Recount procedures.

(a) Any person with standing to contest a municipal election may petition the canvassing authority for a recount of any or all precinct returns. The time period for requesting a recount ends 48 hours after the official canvass of returns by the municipal governing body. The petitioner must be prepared to pay the cost of the recount and must be required to give security to cover these costs in an amount as determined by the municipal governing body based upon an estimate of actual costs. The recount must be conducted under the supervision of a trained and certified poll official. Representatives of opposing interests shall be given at least 24 hours’ notice and shall be invited to participate in the recount.

(b) The recount shall be conducted as simply as the type of equipment and local conditions permit provided that the following minimum safeguards shall be observed:

(1) The box or envelope holding the ballots shall be delivered unopened to the inspector in charge of the recount.

(2) A representative of the municipality shall be present during the recount.

(3) Where ballots are counted by hand, representatives of opposing interests have the right to participate in the hand count, and any unresolved disputes over the interpretation of the voter’s intent may be appealed to the municipal governing body.

(c) When the recount has been completed, the ballots shall be returned to their container along with a copy of the recount results. The ballot container shall be sealed and signed by the inspector conducting the recount and by the representative of the authority having custody of the ballots.

(d) If the recount produces a change in precinct totals of sufficient magnitude to alter the result of the election, the outcome shall constitute grounds for an election contest as now prescribed by law. If the recount of the resulting contest alters the result of the election, the cost of the recount shall be borne by the municipality.

 

Section 11-46-56

Absentee ballots – Eligibility.

Any qualified elector of a city or town shall be entitled to cast an absentee ballot under and pursuant to the election laws of the State of Alabama in any municipal election.

 

Section 11-46-57 

Absentee ballots – Casting and handling of ballots; duties and compensation of clerks, etc., generally; applicability of other laws.

The provisions of Chapter 11 of Title 17 shall be applicable to the casting and handling of absentee ballots in municipal elections, and any amendments, extensions, or deletions from this chapter in the future shall likewise be applicable to municipal elections.

The town clerk, city clerk, or other officer performing the duties of the clerk, as the case may be, shall have and perform the duties required by Chapter 11 of Title 17. For performing these duties, the municipal governing body may compensate the clerk, or other officer performing the duties of the clerk, in whatever manner and amount it deems appropriate.

All other laws of this state regulating and providing for voting of an absentee ballot shall apply to elections held under this article.

 

Section 11-46-58

Absentee ballots – Marking, posting, etc., of lists of applicants.

The town clerk, city clerk, or other officer performing the duties of the clerk, as the case may be, in municipal elections held under the provisions of this article, shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 11 of Title 17 with respect to marking, enrolling, posting, and delivering of lists showing the names and addresses of applicants for an absentee ballot.

 

Section 11-46-59

Offenses of mayor and other executive officers.

(a) Any mayor or other chief executive officer of a municipality who willfully fails to give notice of any municipal election as required in this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $500.00 and may also be imprisoned in the county jail or sentenced to hard labor for the county for not more than six months.

(b) Any mayor or other chief executive officer of a municipality who knowingly puts on the list of qualified electors for a municipal election the name of any person who is not registered, as shown by the records in the probate office of the county in which such municipality lies, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, must be fined not less than $100.00.

(c) Any mayor or other chief executive officer of a municipality or other officer on whom the duty of the mayor may have temporarily devolved who willfully and knowingly neglects, fails or refuses to perform any of the duties prescribed in this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, shall be fined not less than $100.00, unless otherwise provided in this article.

 

Section 11-46-60

Offenses of clerks.

(a) Any municipal clerk who sends any ballots to or makes any suggestions in reference to furnishing ballots for absent voters, except upon the application or request of the absent voter himself, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, shall be fined not more than $500.00, and may also be imprisoned in the county jail or sentenced to hard labor for the county for not more than six months.

(b) Any municipal clerk who fails to properly preserve the certificate of results of an election and deliver it to the municipal governing body at the time appointed for canvassing the returns of the election as required by subsection (a) of Section 11-46-46, shall be guilty of a felony and, on conviction, shall be punished by imprisonment in the penitentiary for not less than one nor more than five years.

 

Section 11-46-61

Offenses of election officers generally.

(a) Any election officer appointed as such by a municipal governing body who shall fail to attend a municipal election without a lawful excuse shall, on conviction, be fined not more than $100.00.

(b) Any election officer who drinks any intoxicating liquors while any election is being held shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than $50.00.

(c) Any election officer who, without lawful excuse, neglects, fails, or refuses to perform any official duty prescribed by this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, unless otherwise provided, and, on conviction, shall be fined not less than $50.00.

(d) Any election officer who discloses how any elector voted shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, shall be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00, and may also be sentenced to hard labor for the county for not more than six months.

(e) If any election officer willfully neglects to perform any duty imposed on him by this article or is guilty of any corrupt conduct in the execution of the same, and no other punishment is provided for such neglect or conduct, he must, on conviction, be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $1,000.00; provided, that no person shall be deemed an officer within the meaning of this subsection, until he first shall have taken an oath well and truly to discharge the duties of such office to the best of his ability or until he shall have performed some of the duties of such office. The failure or refusal of any person to accept office or his failure or refusal to discharge and perform the duties of such office at any time after his appointment thereto and prior to his taking the oath of such office and before he shall have discharged and performed any of the duties thereof shall not in either event be deemed a violation of this subsection.

(f) Any election officer or any other person who makes a copy of the poll list, or any memoranda therefrom, or list of the persons voting or the number of their ballots or discloses the number of such voter’s ballot shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than $200.00.

 

Section 11-46-62 

Offenses of inspectors.

(a) Any inspector of an election who shall, without challenging him, permit any person to vote in a municipal election knowing that he is not a qualified elector shall be fined not less than $100.00.

(b) Any inspector of an election who shall willfully exclude any vote duly tendered and unchallenged in a municipal election, knowing that the person offering the same is lawfully entitled to vote at such election, or who shall willfully receive a vote from any person who has been duly challenged in relation to his right to vote at such election, without exacting from such person such oath or other proof of qualification as is required by law shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than $100.00 and may also be sentenced to hard labor for the county for not more than six months.

(c) Any inspector of a municipal election who willfully fails or refuses to advise any elector entitled thereto that he is entitled to an assistant or who refuses to let such elector select an assistant, as required by law, must, on conviction, be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00.

(d) Any inspector of a municipal election who does or performs any of the following acts shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned in the penitentiary for not less than one nor more than five years:

(1) Willfully deceives any elector in preparing his ballot;

(2) Alters or changes the ballot of a voter or substitutes a ballot for the one offered by any voter; or

(3) Makes a false copy of the certificate of the results of an election.

 

Section 11-46-63

Failure of returning officer to deliver statement of votes and poll list.

Any returning officer of the ward who fails to deliver the statement of votes and poll list of a municipal election to the municipal clerk within the time required by law must, on conviction, be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00 and must also be imprisoned in the county jail for not more than six months.

 

Section 11-46-64 

Deception of disabled voters by marker, etc.

Any marker or helper or assistant authorized to aid a disabled voter at a municipal election who willfully deceives any elector in preparing his ballot must, on conviction, be imprisoned in the penitentiary for not less than one nor more than five years.

 

Section 11-46-65 

Drinking of intoxicating liquors by watcher.

Any duly appointed watcher at a municipal election who drinks any intoxicating liquors while the election is being held shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than $50.00.

 

Section 11-46-67

Offenses of electors.

(a) Any elector who takes or removes or attempts to take or remove any ballot from the polling place at a municipal election before the close of the polls or who remains longer than the time allowed by law in the booth or compartment after being notified his or her time has expired must, on conviction, be fined not less than ten dollars ($10) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100).

(b) Any person who willfully makes to the inspectors of a municipal election a false declaration asserting an inability to prepare his or her ballot without assistance must, on conviction, be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500).

(c) Any qualified elector at any municipal election who takes or receives any money or other valuable thing upon the condition that the same shall be paid at any future time in exchange for the vote of such elector for any particular candidate or the promise to vote for any particular candidate shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500). No witnesses shall be prosecuted for any offense under this subsection as to which the witness testifies before the grand jury.

(d) Any person who falsely impersonates another and thereby or otherwise fraudulently casts a vote in a municipal election or, having voted at such election votes a second time, whether in the same ward or another, shall, on conviction, be punished by hard labor for the county for not more than 12 months or by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) or by both fine and sentence to hard labor.

(e) Any absentee voter who shall willfully make or subscribe to an oath falsely in order to qualify to vote at a municipal election shall, on conviction, be punished by hard labor for the county for not more than 12 months or by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) or by both fine and sentence to hard labor.

(f) Any person voting at any municipal election who has not registered and taken and subscribed to the registration oath must, on conviction, be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) and may also be imprisoned in the county jail or sentenced to hard labor for the county for not less than one nor more than six months.

 

Section 11-46-68 

Miscellaneous offenses.

(a) Any person who shall willfully fail or refuse to perform or discharge any duty relating to absent voters required of him by this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, shall be fined not more than $100.00.

(b) Any person found drunk or intoxicated at or about any polling place during any municipal election day is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $500.00 and may also be imprisoned in the county jail or sentenced to hard labor for the county for not more than six months.

(c) Any person who, at a municipal election, interferes with any elector when inside the polling place or when marking the ballot, or unduly influences or attempts to unduly influence any elector in the preparation of his ballot must, on conviction, be fined not less than $10.00 nor more than $100.00.

(d) Any person who, during or before a municipal election, willfully removes, tears down, destroys, or defaces any booth or compartment or any convenience provided for the purpose of enabling electors to prepare their ballots or any card printed for the instruction of electors must, on conviction, be fined not less than $10.00 nor more than $500.00.

(e) Any person who buys or offers to buy any vote of any qualified elector at any municipal election by the payment of money or the promise to pay the same at any future time or by the gift of intoxicating liquors or other valuable thing shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $50.00 nor more than $100.00.

(f) Any person who by bribery or offering to bribe or by any other corrupt means attempts to influence any elector in giving his vote in a municipal election or to deter him from giving the same or to disturb or to hinder him in the full exercise of the right of suffrage at any municipal election must, on conviction, be fined not less than $50.00 nor more than $500.00.

(g) Any person who, by the offer of money or the gift of money or by the gift of intoxicating liquor or other valuable thing to any qualified elector at any municipal election or by the loan of money to such elector with the intent that the same shall not be repaid, attempts to influence the vote of such elector at such election, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, shall be fined not less than $50.00 nor more than $500.00.

(h) Any person who discloses how any elector voted at a municipal election shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, shall be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00 and may also be sentenced to hard labor for the county for not more than six months.

(i) Any person who fraudulently alters or changes the vote of any elector, by which such elector is prevented from voting in a municipal election as he intended, must, on conviction, be fined not less than $100.00 nor more than $1,000.00 and may also be imprisoned in the county jail for not less than 30 days nor more than six months.

(j) Any person who compares the number on the ballot in a municipal election with the poll list shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, shall be fined not less than $100.00; provided, that this subsection shall not apply on the trial of any contested elections.

(k) Any person who makes a copy of the poll list, or any memoranda therefrom, or list of the persons voting at any municipal election or the number of their ballots or discloses the number of a voter’s ballot shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than $200.00.

(l) Any person who, on a municipal election day, disturbs or prevents or attempts to prevent any elector from freely casting his ballot must, on conviction, be fined not less than $500.00 nor more than $1,000.00 and may also be sentenced to hard labor for the county or imprisoned in the county jail for not less than six months nor more than one year.

(m) Any person who forges or falsely writes the name or initials of any inspector of a municipal election on any ballot shall, on conviction, be punished by hard labor for the county for not more than 12 months or by a fine of not less than $500.00 nor more than $2,000.00 or by both fine and sentence to hard labor.

 

Section 11-46-69

Contest of elections – Grounds; commencement of action.

(a) The election of any person declared elected to any office of a city or town may be contested by any person who was at the time of the election a qualified elector of such city or town for any of the following causes:

(1) Misconduct, fraud, or corruption on the part of any election official, any marker, the municipal governing body, or any other person;

(2) The person whose election to office is contested was not eligible thereto at the time of such election;

(3) Illegal votes;

(4) The rejection of legal votes; or

(5) Offers to bribe, bribery, intimidation, or other misconduct calculated to prevent a fair, free, and full exercise of the elective franchise.

(b) Any contest of such an election must be commenced within five days after the result of the election is declared. Such contest shall be instituted in the manner prescribed by Section 17-15-29 and, except as otherwise provided in this article, all proceedings relative to contests of elections to municipal offices shall be governed by the provisions of Articles 2 and 3, Chapter 15, Title 17 of this Code, insofar as they are applicable.

 

Section 11-46-70

Contest of elections – Trial; entry of judgment.

If, on the trial of the contest of any municipal election, it shall appear that any person other than the one whose election is contested, received or would have received, had the ballots intended for him and illegally rejected been received, the requisite number of votes for election, judgment must be entered declaring such person duly elected, and such judgment shall have the force and effect of investing the person thereby declared elected with full right and title to have and to hold the office to which he is declared elected.

If it appears that no person has or would have had, if the ballots intended for him and illegally rejected had been received, the requisite number of votes for election, judgment must be entered declaring this fact, and such fact must be certified to the municipal governing body and the vacancy in the office, election to which had been contested, shall be filled in the manner prescribed by law for filling the vacancy in such office.

If the person whose election is contested is found to be ineligible to the office, judgment must be entered declaring the election void, and the fact must be certified to the municipal governing body. The vacancy in such office shall be filled in the manner prescribed by law.

If the party whose election is contested is found to have been duly and legally elected, judgment must be entered declaring him entitled to have and to hold the office to which he was so elected.

 

Section 11-46-71

Annulment of elections.

No misconduct, fraud, or corruption on the part of the election officers, the marker, the municipal governing body, or any other person, nor any offers to bribe, bribery, intimidation, or other misconduct which prevented a fair, free, and full exercise of the elective franchise can annul or set aside any municipal election unless the person declared elected and whose election is contested shall be shown not to have received the requisite number of legal votes for election to the office for which he was a candidate thereby, nor must any election contested under the provisions of this article be annulled or set aside because of illegal votes given to the person whose election is contested unless it appears that the number of illegal votes given to such person, if taken from him, would reduce the number of votes given to him below the requisite number of votes for election. No election shall be annulled or set aside because of the rejection of legal votes unless it appears that such legal votes, if given to the person intended, would increase the number of his legal votes to or above the requisite number of votes for election.

 

Section 11-46-72

Procedure where election not held on day appointed.

If any municipal election provided for in this article should not take place on the day appointed, the municipal corporation shall not for that cause be dissolved, but the incumbent officers shall remain in office until their successors shall be elected and qualified. The municipal governing body shall fix some day, as early as convenient, on which day said election shall be held, and the election shall be conducted in all respects as a regular election, and the persons so elected shall hold office until the next general election and until their successors are elected and qualified.

 

Section 11-46-73 

Provisions of article as to offenses cumulative.

It is specifically declared that the designation in this article of certain acts and omissions relative to municipal elections as offenses shall not be exclusive and that any act or omission relative to a municipal election which is by law designated as an offense but which is not mentioned in this article shall continue to be an offense punishable in the manner prescribed by law.

 

Section 11-46-74

Use of election dates established by classification act or local act.

Any municipality whose election dates have been established by classification act, local act, or general act of local application may continue to use said election dates unless a majority of the members of the governing body vote to use the election dates established in this article or Section 11-43-2.

 

Section 11-46-111

Assistance of disabled electors generally.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-112

Forms of oaths to be taken by and for challenged voters; penalty for false oath; refusal to take oath.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

Section 11-46-113

Number of electors allowed in polling place; time limit, etc., for occupation of booth.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-114

Right of secret ballot; write-in voting prohibited.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-115

Votes not to be counted until polls closed; disposition of poll lists and affidavits; counting of ballots.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-116

Preparation of statements of vote; certification, sealing, and delivery of statements and poll lists; packaging of ballots; sealing and delivery of ballot boxes.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-117

Delivery of returns, etc., to governing body; retention and destruction of ballot boxes generally; when ballot boxes may be opened.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-118

Delivery, examination, and identification of keys to voting machines; examination of ballots, counters, etc.; certification as to keys, counters, and ballots; opening of machines and polls.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-119 

Provision of election materials and supplies; preparation of lighting facilities; posting and placement of diagrams and models.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-120

Election officers for voting machines; duties.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-121

Identification of voters where voting machines used; voting procedure generally; assistance of voters generally; challenges to voters.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-122

Instruction of voters in use of machines; oath, etc., of disabled voters; assistance of voters.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-123

Closing of polls; locking of machines; announcement of results; statements of canvass; proclamation; disposition of voting materials.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-124

Voting machines to remain locked during period for filing of contests; when seals of machines may be broken; disposition of records taken from machines.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-125

Designation, etc., of custodians of voting machines and keys; transportation, storage, and protection of machines.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-126 

Canvassing of returns, declaration of election result, and issuance of certificate of election by board of commissioners; runoff elections.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-127

Absentee ballots – Eligibility.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-128

Absentee ballots – Casting and handling of ballots generally; duties of registers, clerks, etc., generally; applicability of other laws relating to absentee voting.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-129

Absentee ballots – Marking, posting, etc., of lists of applicants for absentee ballots.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-130

Offenses of mayors and other executive officers.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-131

Offenses of clerks.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-132

Offenses of election officers generally.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-133

Offenses of inspectors.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-134

 

Failure of returning officer to deliver statement of votes and poll list.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-135 

Deception of disabled voter by marker, etc.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-136

Drinking of intoxicating liquors by watcher.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-138

Offenses of electors.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-139

Miscellaneous offenses.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-140

Contest of elections – Grounds; commencement of action.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-141

Contest of elections – Trial; entry of judgment.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-142

Annulment of elections.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-143

Procedure where election not held on day appointed.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-144

Provisions of article as to offenses cumulative.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

 

Section 11-46-145 

Use of election dates established by classification act or local act.

Repealed by Act 2016-295, § 1(a), effective May 10, 2016.

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Title 12 – Chapter 24

Title 12 – COURTS

• Chapter 24 – RECUSAL FOR CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS

 

Section 12-24-3

Recusal of a justice or judge due to campaign contribution; rebuttable presumption; appeal.

(a) In any civil action, on motion of a party or on its own motion, a justice or judge shall recuse himself or herself from hearing a case if, as a result of a substantial campaign contribution or electioneering communication made to or on behalf of the justice or judge in the immediately preceding election by a party who has a case pending before that justice or judge, either of the following circumstances exist:

(1) A reasonable person would perceive that the justice or judge’s ability to carry out his or her judicial responsibilities with impartiality is impaired.

(2) There is a serious, objective probability of actual bias by the justice or judge due to his or her acceptance of the campaign contribution.

(b) A rebuttable presumption arises that a justice or judge shall recuse himself or herself if a campaign contribution made directly by a party to the judge or justice exceeds the following percentages of the total contributions raised during the election cycle by that judge or justice and was made at a time when it was reasonably foreseeable that the case could come before the judge or justice:

(1) Ten percent in a statewide appellate court race.

(2) Fifteen percent in a circuit court race.

(3) Twenty-five percent in a district court race.

Any refunded contributions shall not be counted toward the percentages noted herein.

(c) The term party, as referenced in this section, means any of the following:

(1) A party or real party in interest to the case or any person in his or her immediate family.

(2) Any holder of five percent or more of the value of a party that is a corporation, limited liability company, firm, partnership, or any other business entity.

(3) Affiliates or subsidiaries of a corporate party.

(4) Any attorney for the party.

(5) Other lawyers in practice with the party’s attorney.

(d) An order of a court denying a motion to recuse shall be appealable in the same manner as a final order to the appellate court which would otherwise have jurisdiction over the appeal from a final order in the action. The appeal may be filed only within 30 days of the order denying the motion to recuse. During the pendency of an appeal, where the threshold set forth in subsection (b) is met, the action in the trial court shall be stayed in all respects.

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Title 17 – Chapter 1

Title 17 – Elections

Chapter 1 – GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 17-1-1

Applicability of title to primary elections and county or municipal elections.

All of the provisions of this title shall apply to all primary elections and all elections by counties or municipalities held in this state, except in cases where the provisions of this title are inconsistent or in conflict with the provisions of a law governing special primary, county or municipal elections.

 

Section 17-1-2

Definitions.

For the purposes of this title, the following terms shall have the definitions ascribed to them:

(1) APPOINTING BOARD. In all elections the appointing board consists of the judge of probate, circuit clerk, and sheriff of the county.

(2) BALLOT. The term includes paper ballots and electronic ballots.

(3) BALLOT CONFIGURATION. The particular combination and arrangement of offices, candidates, and questions for a precinct or subdivision thereof.

(4) BEAT. Has the same meaning as precinct.

(5) BOX. The voting place in a precinct or subdivision of a precinct for voting purposes.

(6) CANVASSING BOARD. In all elections except primary elections, the canvassing board consists of the judge of probate, circuit clerk, and sheriff of the county. In primary elections, the county executive committee of the party is the canvassing board for the primary of the party.

(7) CENSUS BUREAU. The Bureau of the Census of the United States Department of Commerce, or any successor bureau or department that conducts an official decennial census of the United States.

(8) CLERK’S POLL LIST. The list of voters which is written by a clerk at the polling place.

(9) ELECTRONIC BALLOT. A ballot that utilizes electronic media or computerized systems for presenting the names of the offices and candidates and statements of questions to be voted on and for recording votes.

(10) ELECTRONIC BALLOT COUNTER. An approved device that reads and tabulates electronic ballots.

(11) ELECTRONIC VOTING EQUIPMENT. Equipment that records and tabulates votes directly without the use of an electronic paper ballot.

(12) ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINES. Includes both precinct ballot counters and electronic ballot counters.

(13) INSPECTOR. The election poll worker in charge of a precinct who serves as chief returning officer for the precinct.

(14) LIST OF REGISTERED VOTERS. The list of registered voters, sometimes called the list of qualified voters, which is provided for each polling place by the city clerk in municipal elections and by the judge of probate in all other elections.

(15) MEMORY PACK. A device capable of storing electronically the totals of a precinct ballot counter.

(16) MEMORY PACK TABULATOR. A device capable of reading precinct returns from memory packs and totaling these returns for the county and other electoral districts.

(17) OFFICIAL BALLOT. The list of offices and candidates and the statements of questions to be voted on as appropriately certified by the judge of probate of the county or the Secretary of State.

(18) PERMANENT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON REAPPORTIONMENT. The committee created by Section 29-2-51.

(19) PRECINCT. A geographical subdivision of a county having clearly visible, definable, and observable physical boundaries. A precinct is the smallest geographical area for purposes of holding national, state, or countywide elections.

(20) PRECINCT BALLOT COUNTER. An electronic paper ballot counter that reads and tabulates electronic paper ballots at the precinct where they are cast.

(21) PRECINCT ELECTION OFFICIALS. The inspector and clerks required to be appointed to serve at each voting place.

(22) PRIVACY BOOTH. A stand used to provide privacy for voters in completing their ballots.

(23) STATEMENT OF CANVASS or CERTIFICATE OF RESULT. The vote totals recorded at the polling places on forms provided for that purpose in accordance with Sections 11-46-116, 11-46-123, 17-12-1, 17-12-2, and 17-13-14.

(24) VOTER REIDENTIFICATION FORM. A form that is prescribed by rule by the Secretary of State for use at the polling place pursuant to Section 17-4-13.

(25) VOTERS’ POLL LIST. The numbered list that is signed by the voter at the polling place.

(26) VOTING CENTER. A voting arrangement authorized by local legislation whereby multiple precincts may be located in a single voting center. Where a voting center has been established, the voting center is the voting place for the precinct.

(27) VOTING PLACE. The place, or places, designated for the holding of elections in each precinct. Where multiple voting machines are used in a single precinct, the location of each machine is a voting place, unless a voting center has been established by local legislation.

(28) VOTING STATION. A table, booth, or other device that permits a voter to complete a ballot in privacy.

 

Section 17-1-3

Chief elections officials.

(a) The Secretary of State is the chief elections official in the state and shall provide uniform guidance for election activities. The Secretary of State is granted rule making authority for the implementation of Chapter 2 under the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act.

(b) The judge of probate is the chief elections official of the county and shall serve as chair of the appointing board.

 

Section 17-1-4 

Right of city, county and state employees to participate in political activities.

(a)

(1) No person in the employment of any city, whether classified or unclassified, shall be denied the right to participate in city, county, or state political activities to the same extent as any other citizen of the State of Alabama, including endorsing candidates and contributing to campaigns of his or her choosing.

(2) No person in the employment of any county, whether classified or unclassified, shall be denied the right to participate in city, county, or state political activities to the same extent as any other citizen of the State of Alabama, including endorsing candidates and contributing to campaigns of his or her choosing.

(3) No person in the employment of the State of Alabama, whether classified or unclassified, shall be denied the right to participate in city, county, or state political activities to the same extent as any other citizen of the State of Alabama, including endorsing candidates and contributing to campaigns of his or her choosing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any person within the classified service shall comply with Section 36-26-38.

(4) All persons in the employment of any city, county, or state shall have the right to join local political clubs and organizations, and state or national political parties.

(5) All persons in the employment of any city, county, or state shall have the right to publicly support issues of public welfare, circulate petitions calling for or in support of referendums, and contribute freely to those of his or her choosing.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 17-17-5, any employee of a county or a city, whether in the classified or unclassified service, who qualifies to seek a political office with the governmental entity with which he or she is employed, shall be required to take an unpaid leave of absence from his or her employment, or use accrued overtime leave, or use accrued vacation time with the county or city from the date he or she qualifies to run for office until the date on which the election results are certified or the employee is no longer a candidate or there are no other candidates on the ballot. For purposes of this subsection, the term “employing authority” means the county commission for county employees or the city council for city employees. Any employee who violates this subsection shall forfeit his or her employment position. In no event shall this subsection apply to elected officials.

(c) When off duty, out of uniform, and acting as a private citizen, no law enforcement officer, firefighter, or peace officer shall be prohibited from engaging in city, county, or state political activity or denied the right to refrain from engaging in political activity so long as there is compliance with this section.

 

Section 17-1-5

Employers to allow time off for voting.

Each employee in the state shall, upon reasonable notice to his or her employer, be permitted by his or her employer to take necessary time off from his or her employment to vote in any municipal, county, state, or federal political party primary or election for which the employee is qualified and registered to vote on the day on which the primary or election is held. The necessary time off shall not exceed one hour and if the hours of work of the employee commence at least two hours after the opening of the polls or end at least one hour prior to the closing of the polls, then the time off for voting as provided in this section shall not be available. The employer may specify the hours during which the employee may absent himself or herself as provided in this section.

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Title 17 – Chapter 2

Chapter 2 – HELP AMERICA VOTE ACT (HAVA)

 

Section 17-2-1 

Help America Vote Fund.

There is established a separate trust fund in the State Treasury to be known as the Help America Vote Fund. All state and federal monies designated in accordance with the Help America Vote Act of 2002 and accrued interest are to be deposited into this fund. The receipts shall be disbursed only by warrant of the state Comptroller drawn upon the State Treasury supported by itemized vouchers approved by the Secretary of State. No funds shall be withdrawn or expended except as budgeted and allotted according to Sections 41-4-80 to 41-4-96, inclusive, and 41-19-1 to 41-19-12, inclusive, and only in amounts as stipulated in the general appropriations act or other appropriation acts.

 

Section 17-2-2

Implementation plan; state plan committee.

(a) There is established, pursuant to Section 254 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002, a state plan to provide for the implementation of that act. There shall be appointed a committee of 23 individuals to assist the Secretary of State in the development of the state plan. The committee membership shall reflect the racial diversity of the state.

(b) In accordance with the provisions of Section 255 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002, the members of the committee shall include the following:

(1) The judge of probate of the most populous county in the state, according to the most recent federal decennial census.

(2) The judge of probate of the second most populous county in the state according to the most recent federal decennial census.

(3) Three additional election officials, serving in a county or municipality in the state, to be appointed by the Secretary of State, one of whom shall be recommended by the Probate Judges’ Association, one of whom shall be recommended by the Sheriffs’ Association, and one of whom shall be recommended by the Circuit Clerks’ Association.

(4) Five individuals in the state, representing the interests of the electorate to be appointed by the Secretary of State, one of whom shall represent the political party with the highest number of votes in the last presidential election in the state, recommended by the chair of the party, one of whom shall represent the political party with the second highest number of votes in the last presidential election in the state, recommended by the chair of the party, and one of whom shall represent an organization serving as an advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities.

(5) Three private citizens, representing the public at large, to be appointed by the Governor.

(6) Five members of the state House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and two members of the state Senate to be appointed by the President of the Senate and three members of the state Senate to be appointed by the President Pro Tem of the Senate.

(c) Members of the committee shall be appointed within 14 days after June 19, 2003 and shall hold their initial organizational meeting within 30 days after June 19, 2003. The committee shall elect a chair from among its members. The members of the committee shall serve without compensation but shall be eligible for reimbursement for necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.

(d) The members appointed by the Secretary of State to serve on the first state plan committee will serve until the next gubernatorial inauguration in January of 2007. Thereafter, each member appointed by the Secretary of State shall serve for a term of four years, with each term starting and ending on the date of the state gubernatorial inauguration. A vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

(e) The committee shall have the power and the duty to advise the Secretary of State on the further development of the state plan, which the Secretary of State must develop and submit to the Election Assistance Commission in accordance with the Help America Vote Act of 2002. The committee shall make recommendations on all aspects of the state plan described in Section 254 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002.

(f) Twelve members of the committee shall constitute a quorum. A vote of a majority of the members of the board is required for the issuance of recommendations in accordance with subsection (e). The committee shall meet as needed to fulfill the requirements of this section.

 

Section 17-2-3

Establishment of complaint review procedures.

The Secretary of State, by administrative rule, shall establish procedures for the review of complaints regarding the administration of Title III of the Help America Vote Act of 2002. These procedures shall meet the following requirements:

(1) Any person who believes there has been a violation of Title III may file a complaint.

(2) Any complaint filed shall be in writing and notarized, and signed and sworn by the complaining person.

(3) The Secretary of State may consolidate complaints.

(4) At the request of the complainant, there shall be a hearing on the record.

(5) If it is determined that there has been a violation of Title III, the appropriate remedy shall be provided.

(6) If it is determined that there has not been a violation of Title III, the complaint shall be dismissed, and the results of the procedures shall be published.

(7) After a complaint is filed, a final determination shall be made within 90 days.

(8) If the 90-day deadline is not met, the complaint shall be resolved within 60 days under alternative dispute resolution.

 

Section 17-2-4 

Voting system requirements; vote standards; uniform polling system; purchase of equipment.

(a) On or before January 1, 2005, each voting system used in an election shall meet the following requirements:

(1) The voting system shall:

a. Permit the voter to verify, in a private and independent manner, the votes selected by the voter on the ballot before the ballot is cast and counted.

b. Provide the voter with the opportunity, in a private and independent manner, to change the ballot or correct any error before the ballot is cast and counted, including the opportunity to correct the error through the issuance of a replacement ballot if the voter was otherwise unable to change the ballot or correct any error.

c. If the voter selects votes for more than one candidate for a single office:

1. 1. 1. Notify the voter that the voter has selected more than one candidate for a single office on the ballot.
      2. Notify the voter before the ballot is cast and counted of the effect of casting multiple votes for the office.
      3. Provide the voter with the opportunity to correct the ballot before the ballot is cast and counted.

(2) A voting system may meet the requirements of paragraph c. of subdivision (1) by:

a.Establishing a voter education program specific to that voting system that notifies each voter of the effect of casting multiple votes for an office.

b. Providing the voter with instructions on how to correct the ballot before it is cast and counted, including instructions on how to correct the error through the issuance of a replacement ballot if the voter was otherwise unable to change the ballot or correct any error.

(3) The voting system shall ensure that any notification required under this section preserves the privacy of the voter and the confidentiality of the ballot.

(b)

(1) The voting system shall produce a record with an audit capacity for such system.

(2)

a. The voting system shall produce a permanent paper record with a manual audit capacity for such system.

b. The voting system shall provide the voter with an opportunity to change the ballot or correct any error before the permanent paper record is produced.

c. The paper record produced under paragraph a. shall be available as an official record for any recount conducted with respect to any election in which the system is used.

(c) The voting system shall:

(1) Be accessible for individuals with disabilities, including nonvisual accessibility for the blind and visually impaired, in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation, including privacy and independence, as for other voters.

(2) Satisfy the requirement of subdivision (1) through the use of at least one direct recording electronic voting system or other voting system equipped for individuals with disabilities at each polling place.

(d) The voting system shall provide alternative language accessibility pursuant to the requirements of Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 1973aa-1a).

(e) The error rate of the voting system in counting ballots, determined by taking into account only those errors which are attributable to the voting system and not attributable to an act of the voter, shall comply with the error rate standards established under Section 3.2.1 of the voting systems standards issued by the Federal Elections Commission which are in effect on June 19, 2003.

(f) The Secretary of State by administrative rule shall adopt uniform and nondiscriminatory standards that define what constitutes a vote and what will be counted as a vote for each category of voting system used in the state.

(g) The Secretary of State shall recommend to the Legislature on or before January 1, 2005, a uniform polling system, which includes machine capabilities to count each ballot at the polling place, a uniform ballot, and prepare necessary legislation for implementation.

(h) Purchases of voting equipment made by a county in order to comply with the voting system guidelines established by the Secretary of State and the committee established in Section 17-2-2 shall be approved for reimbursement from the Help America Vote Fund created in Section 17-2-1 by the Secretary of State.

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Title 17 – Chapter 3

Chapter 3 – VOTER REGISTRATION
Article 1 Board of Registrars

 

Section 17-3-1

Promulgation of rules for registration applications.

The Secretary of State may promulgate rules for the receipt of applications for registration and the expedient administration of those applications, but no person shall be registered until a majority of the board of registrars has passed favorably upon the person’s qualifications.

 

Section 17-3-2 

Qualifications and appointment of registrars; chair.

(a) Registration shall be conducted in each county by a board of three reputable and suitable persons to be appointed, unless otherwise provided by law, by the Governor, Auditor, and Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, or by a majority of them acting as a state board of appointment. The registrars shall be qualified electors, residents of the county, shall have a high school diploma or equivalent, and possess the minimum computer and map reading skills necessary to function in the office. The Secretary of State shall prescribe guidelines to assist the state board of appointment in determining the qualifications of registrars. The registrars shall not hold an elective office during their term. One of the members shall be designated by the state board of appointment as chair of the board of registrars for each county.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a), the Legislature may provide by local law for the appointment of additional members to the board of registrars for a county that has two courthouses.

(c) The provisions of this section shall not apply in any county having a population of not less than 600,000 inhabitants according to the 1970 or any succeeding federal decennial census, and any currently effective local law or general law of local application providing for the appointment of any member of the board of registrars in the county shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be repealed by operation of this chapter.

 

Section 17-3-3 

Terms of office; removal from office.

The registrars appointed under this article may be removed for cause by the Secretary of State at any time before the end of their term of office, upon submitting written reasons therefor to the registrar removed and to the members of the state board of appointment. If not so removed, the registrar may hold office for four years from the date of appointment and until a successor is appointed.

 

Section 17-3-4

Filling of vacancies.

If one or more of the persons appointed on such board of registrars shall refuse, neglect, or be unable to qualify to serve, or if a vacancy or vacancies occur in the membership of the board of registrars, from any cause, the Governor, Auditor, and Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, or a majority of them acting as a state board of appointment, shall make other appointments to fill such vacancies.

 

Section 17-3-5

Compensation and allowances for registrars; treatment as state employees.

(a) Each registrar shall receive a salary in the amount of eighty dollars ($80) per day for each day’s attendance upon business of the board, to be paid by the state and disbursed to the county commissions and disbursed by the county commissions to each registrar on order of a quorum of the board of registrars of the county. The state Comptroller shall issue to each county commission on a monthly basis an amount sufficient to fund these payments plus the employer share of the Social Security or Federal Insurance Corporation Act tax. The county commission will provide to the state Comptroller an invoice itemized to reflect payments made. If a legal holiday falls on a day the board is to be in session, and the courthouse of the county is closed for the holiday, the board of registrars shall be compensated for the holiday. Each registrar shall receive a mileage allowance equal to the amount allowed state employees or employees of the county, whichever is greater, for official travel in the course of attending the business of the board, including attending continuing education programs. Travel and other expenses shall be paid by the county commissions to the boards of registrars and the state shall reimburse the county commissions based on a written request submitted by the county commissions to the state Comptroller.

(b) The provisions of this section regarding travel mileage shall not apply in any county having a population of 600,000 or more inhabitants according to the 1970 or any succeeding federal decennial census, and any currently effective local law or general law of local application regarding travel mileage for registrars in the county shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be repealed by operation of this chapter.

(c) Members of the boards of registrars of this state are hereby declared to be state employees for the purposes of Chapter 28 of Title 36.

(d) Members of the boards of registrars of this state shall be treated as equals with other state and county employees in regard to Social Security protection and benefits.

(e) All payments by a county to any member of a county board of registrars (except for mileage or reimbursement for expenses) shall be treated for Social Security purposes equally with payments by that county to other county employees of the county.

(f) The state office for Social Security and the state Comptroller and each county commission are directed to take all necessary action to insure that members of the boards of registrars of this state are treated as other state and county employees in regard to Social Security protection and benefits as provided in Chapter 28 of Title 36, including, if necessary, amending the federal-state agreement referred to in Chapter 28 of Title 36, to implement the intent of the Legislature as expressed herein.

(g) No county commission may reduce the current county supplement upon the effect of this section by implementation of Act 94-693.

(h) A county commission may allow the chair or any member of the county board of registrars who has served at least 16 years in that position to participate in any health insurance program provided by the county upon the same terms, conditions, and employee contributions as required for county employees.

This subsection shall not apply to any health insurance plans administered by the State of Alabama as described in Title 36, Chapter 29 and Title 11, Chapter 91A.

 

Section 17-3-6

Oath of office; registrars designated as judicial officers.

Before entering upon the performance of the duties of office, each registrar shall take the same oath as required by the judicial officers of the state, which oath may be administered by any person authorized to administer oaths. The oath shall be in writing, subscribed by the registrar, and filed in the office of the judge of probate of the county. Registrars are judicial officers and shall act judicially in all matters pertaining to the registration of applicants.

 

Section 17-3-7

Quorum.

The action of a majority of the board of registrars shall be the action of the board, and a majority of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business.

 

Section 17-3-8

[Effective: October 1, 2019 to July 31, 2020]

Sessions of boards; working days of registrars; special registration sessions.

(a) Each member of the board of registrars in the Counties of Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Dallas, Escambia, Geneva, Lowndes, Perry, Sumter, and Wilcox may meet a maximum of 120 working days each fiscal year; each member of the board of registrars in the Counties of Barbour, Blount, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Lee, Marengo, Pickens, Pike, Randolph, and Winston may meet a maximum of 168 working days each fiscal year, except in the Counties of Lee and Pike each board of registrars may meet up to an additional 30 session days each fiscal year, at the discretion of the chair of the county commission, and such days shall be paid from the respective county funds; each member of the board of registrars in Tallapoosa County and each member of the board of registrars in Talladega County may meet a maximum of 220 working days each fiscal year, except that in Talladega County the board of registrars may meet up to an additional 30 session days each fiscal year, at the discretion of the chair of the county commission; each member of the board of registrars in the Counties of Dale, Franklin, Houston, Marion, Marshall, Bullock, Macon, and Tuscaloosa may meet a maximum of 216 working days each fiscal year; each member of the board of registrars in the Counties of Limestone and Shelby may meet a maximum of 167 working days each fiscal year; and each member of the board of registrars in Russell County may meet a maximum of 177 working days each fiscal year.

(b) In the Counties of Choctaw, Coffee, Colbert, Cullman, Lauderdale, and Monroe, each member of the board of registrars may meet a maximum of 199 working days each fiscal year.

(c) Each member of the Board of Registrars of Autauga, Elmore, and Bibb Counties may meet a maximum of 187 working days each fiscal year. Each member of the Board of Registrars of Walker County may meet a maximum of 200 days each fiscal year, and each member of the Board of Registrars of Lamar, Cherokee, Clarke, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Hale, and Washington Counties may meet a maximum of 140 days each fiscal year. Each member of the board of registrars in the following counties may meet the following maximum number of working days each fiscal year: Henry — 140 working days; Covington — 188 working days; DeKalb — 207 working days; Jackson — 207 working days; Etowah — 207 working days; Chambers — 180 working days; and Lawrence — 140 working days.

(d) Each member of the board of registrars in the Counties of Baldwin, Calhoun, Chilton, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, St. Clair, and Morgan are authorized to meet not more than five days each week for the purpose of carrying out their official duties. Jefferson County, which is now operating under the provisions of local laws, shall be exempted from the provisions of this section. Provided, however, that where the words “each year” are used in the local laws the words mean “each fiscal year.”

(e) The actual number of working days to be used as session days shall be determined by a quorum of the board of registrars according to the needs of the county.

(f) As many as 25 of the allotted working days may be used for special registration sessions (i.e., those sessions held away from the courthouse in the several precincts of the county or sessions held on Saturday or between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.). Notice of any special session scheduled by the board shall be given at least 10 days prior to the special session by: (1) Bills posted at three or more public places in each election precinct affected, if the session involves precinct visits; and (2) advertisement once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper published in the county or by radio or television announcements on a local station, or both by newspaper or announcement.

 

Section 17-3-9

Time and place of meeting in counties with two or more courthouses.

Where there are two or more courthouses in any county, the board of registrars shall divide the time as appropriate between the courthouses for the purpose of holding regular sessions for registering voters and shall give notice accordingly.

 

Section 17-3-10

Expenditure of county funds for supplies, office space, etc.; clerical personnel of boards.

All county governing bodies are authorized and directed to expend county funds for supplies, equipment, telephone service, office space, and clerical help as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this chapter. Any clerical personnel who work under the direction of the board of registrars shall be selected by the board of registrars, and the compensation shall be set by the county governing body.

 

Section 17-3-11

Registration of voters at colleges and universities.

(a) The board of registrars in each county shall visit each college or university, whether public or private, having an enrollment of 500 or more, which is located therein, at least once during the school year for the purpose of registering voters, and shall remain there for one full working day, weekends and holidays excepted. They shall give at least 12 days’ notice of the time and place where they will attend to register applicants for registration, by bills posted at three or more public places and by advertisement once a week for three consecutive weeks in a campus newspaper, if there is one published on the campus. Each college or university receiving state funds that is affected by the provisions of this section shall provide space and accommodations for the board of registrars on their campus.

(b) Each member of the board of registrars shall be entitled to receive their usual salary and per diem for attending the meetings of the board of registrars provided for in this section.

 

Section 17-3-12 

Per diem for board members; appointments to fill board vacancies.

Each member of the board of registrars shall receive sixty dollars ($60) per day, for each day’s attendance upon the special sessions of the board required under this article; but if such special session is held on the same day a regular session is required to be held under the laws of this state, registrars shall receive only one per diem allowed for performing their regular duties, it being the intent and purpose of this article that registrars shall be entitled to receive only one per diem allowance for one day’s service.

 

Section 17-3-13

Compensation increases.

(a) A county commission, upon the adoption of a resolution, may increase the per diem compensation paid to each member of the county board of registrars without the necessity of enacting a local law of authorization, provided that no state funds shall be used for such additional compensation.

(b) As an alternate to subsection (a), beginning October 1, 2006, each member of the county board of registrars may receive the same cost-of-living increases in compensation that are granted to county employees by a county commission at the time of the adoption of the county budget. The increases shall be in the same amount or percentage, as the case may be, as that amount or percentage increase provided to county employees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any percentage increases shall be calculated based upon the salary or compensation provided under general law and shall not include any current or future local supplements granted to a member of the county board of registrars by local law. Any increases granted pursuant to this section shall be terminated upon the appointment of a new member, who shall be entitled to increases to his or her base salary or compensation commencing on the October 1 immediately following his or her appointment.

(c) A supplement under this section can only occur one time after which legislative approval must be obtained.

 

Article 2 Qualifications of Electors

 

Section 17-3-30 

Qualifications of electors generally.

Any person possessing the qualifications of an elector set out in Article 8 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as modified by federal law, and not laboring under any disqualification listed therein, shall be an elector, and shall be entitled to register and to vote at any election by the people.

 

Section 17-3-30.1

Disqualification of electors for felonies involving moral turpitude.

(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the Felony Voter Disqualification Act.

(b)

(1) The Legislature finds and declares that:

a. Article VIII of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 177 of Article VIII of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended, provides that Alabama citizens shall lose the right to vote when convicted of a crime only if the conviction was for a felony involving moral turpitude.

b. Under general law, there is no comprehensive list of felonies that involve moral turpitude which disqualify a person from exercising his or her right to vote. Neither individuals with felony convictions nor election officials have a comprehensive, authoritative source for determining if a felony conviction involves moral turpitude and is therefore a disqualifying felony.

(2) The purposes of this section are:

a. To give full effect to Article VIII of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 177 of Article VIII of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended.

b. To ensure that no one is wrongly excluded from the electoral franchise.

c. To provide a comprehensive list of acts that constitute moral turpitude for the limited purpose of disqualifying a person from exercising his or her right to vote.

(c) For purposes of Article VIII of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 177 of Article VIII of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended, a person is disqualified to vote by reason of conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude only when convicted of any of the following offenses in a degree constituting a felony:

(1) Murder as defined in the following sections:

a. Subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40.

b. Subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40.

c. Subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40.

d. Subdivision (4) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40.

e. Subdivision (5) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40.

f. Subdivision (6) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40.

g. Subdivision (7) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40.

h. Subdivision (8) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40.

i. Subdivision (9) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40.

j. Subdivision (10) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40.

k. Subdivision (11) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40.

l. Subdivision (12) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40.

m. Subdivision (13) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40.

n. Subdivision (14) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40.

o. Subdivision (15) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40.

p. Subdivision (16) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40.

q. Subdivision (17) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40.

r. Subdivision (18) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40.

s. Subdivision (19) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40.

t. Section 13A-6-2.

(2) Manslaughter as defined in Section 13A-6-3.

(3) Assault as defined in Section 13A-6-20, except for subdivision (5) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-6-20, and Section 13A-6-21.

(4) Kidnapping in the first degree as defined in Section 13A-6-43.

(5) Kidnapping in the second degree as defined in Section 13A-6-44.

(6) Rape as defined in Sections 13A-6-61 and 13A-6-62.

(7) Sodomy as defined in Sections 13A-6-63 and 13A-6-64.

(8) Sexual torture as defined in Section 13A-6-65.1.

(9) Sexual abuse as defined in Sections 13A-6-66, 13A-6-67, and 13A-6-69.1.

(10) Enticing a child to enter a vehicle for immoral purposes as defined in Section 13A-6-69.

(11) Facilitating solicitation of unlawful sexual conduct with a child as defined in Section 13A-6-121.

(12) Electronic solicitation of a child as defined in Section 13A-6-122.

(13) Facilitating the on-line solicitation of a child as defined in Section 13A-6-123.

(14) Traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act as defined in Section 13A-6-124.

(15) Facilitating the travel of a child for an unlawful sex act as defined in Section 13A-6-125.

(16) Human trafficking as defined in Sections 13A-6-152 and 13A-6-153.

(17) Terrorism as defined in Section 13A-10-152.

(18) Soliciting or providing support for an act of terrorism as defined in Section 13A-10-153.

(19) Hindering prosecution of terrorism as defined in Section 13A-10-154.

(20) Endangering the water supply as defined in Section 13A-10-171.

(21) Possession, manufacture, transport, or distribution of a destructive device or bacteriological or biological weapon as defined in Section 13A-10-193.

(22) Selling, furnishing, giving away, delivering, or distribution of a destructive device, a bacteriological weapon, or biological weapon to a person who is less than 21 years of age as defined in Section 13A-10-194.

(23) Possession, manufacture, transport, or distribution of a detonator, explosive, poison, or hoax device as defined in Section 13A-10-195.

(24) Possession or distribution of a hoax device represented as a destructive device or weapon as defined in subsection (c) of Section 13A-10-196.

(25) Attempt to commit an explosives or destructive device or bacteriological or biological weapons crime as defined in Section 13A-10-197.

(26) Conspiracy to commit an explosives or destructive device or bacteriological or biological weapons crime as defined in Section 13A-10-198.

(27) Hindrance or obstruction during detection, disarming, or destruction of a destructive device or weapon as defined in Section 13A-10-199.

(28) Possession or distribution of a destructive device or weapon intended to cause injury or destruction as defined in Section 13A-10-200.

(29) Treason as defined in Section 13A-11-2.

(30) Dissemination or public display of obscene matter containing visual depiction of persons under 17 years of age involved in obscene acts as defined in Section 13A-12-191.

(31) Possession and possession with intent to disseminate obscene matter containing visual depiction of persons under 17 years of age involved in obscene acts as defined in Section 13A-12-192.

(32) Parents or guardians permitting children to engage in production of obscene matter as defined in Section 13A-12-196.

(33) Production of obscene matter containing visual depiction of persons under 17 years of age involved in obscene acts as defined in Section 13A-12-197.

(34) Distribution, possession with intent to distribute, production of obscene material, or offer or agreement to distribute or produce, as defined in Section 13A-12-200.2.

(35) Trafficking in cannabis, cocaine, or other illegal drugs or trafficking in amphetamine and methamphetamine as defined in Section 13A-12-231.

(36) Bigamy as defined in Section 13A-13-1.

(37) Incest as defined in Section 13A-13-3.

(38) Torture or other willful maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 as defined in Section 26-15-3.

(39) Aggravated child abuse as defined in Section 26-15-3.1.

(40) Prohibited acts in the offer, sale, or purchase of securities as defined in Section 8-6-17.

(41) Burglary as defined in Sections 13A-7-5 and 13A-7-6.

(42) Aggravated theft by deception as defined in Section 13A-8-2.1.

(43) Theft of property as defined in Sections 13A-8-3 and 13A-8-4.

(44) Theft of lost property as defined in Sections 13A-8-7 and 13A-8-8.

(45) Theft of trademarks or trade secrets as defined in Section 13A-8-10.4.

(46) Robbery as defined in Sections 13A-8-41, 13A-8-42, and 13A-8-43.

(47) Forgery as defined in Sections 13A-9-2 and 13A-9-3.

(48) Any crime as defined by the laws of the United States or by the laws of another state, territory, country, or other jurisdiction, which, if committed in this state, would constitute one of the offenses listed in this subsection.

(d) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as determining moral turpitude for any purpose other than disqualifying a person from exercising his or her right to vote.

(e) The felonies involving moral turpitude listed in subsection (c) are the only felonies for which a person, upon conviction, may be disqualified from voting. Additional felonies may be added to the list in subsection (c) only by amendment to this section.

 

Section 17-3-31

Restoration of right to vote upon pardon or issuance of certificate of eligibility.

Any person who is disqualified by reason of conviction of any of the offenses mentioned in Article VIII of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, except treason and impeachment, whether the conviction was had in a state or federal court, and who has been pardoned, may be restored to citizenship with the right to vote by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles when specifically expressed in the pardon. If otherwise qualified, such person shall be permitted to register or reregister as an elector upon submission of a copy of the pardon document to the board of registrars of the county of his or her residence. In addition, any person who has been granted a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote by the Board of Pardons and Paroles pursuant to Section 15-22-36.1, shall be permitted to register or reregister as an elector upon submission of a copy of the certificate to the board of registrars of the county of his or her residence.

 

Section 17-3-32

Domicile not acquired or lost by temporary absence.

No person shall lose or acquire a domicile either by temporary absence from his or her domicile without the intention of remaining or by navigating any of the waters of this state, the United States, or the high seas, without having acquired any other lawful domicile, or by being absent from his or her domicile in the civil or military service of the state or the United States.

 

Section 17-3-33

Domicile of persons located partly in multiple counties, districts, or precincts.

When the dwelling of any person is located partly in two or more counties, districts, or precincts, such persons may select the county, district, or precinct of their domicile, and to that end may file a statement in writing in the office of the judge of probate of the county selected, setting forth the locality of their dwelling and the lines passing through the same, together with the county, district, or precinct selected for domicile, which statement, when filed and recorded, shall establish the domicile of the person filing it in the county, district, or precinct of their selection.

 

Section 17-3-34

Persons living on boundary lines between counties, districts, or precincts.

Any person who lives on a line between counties, districts, or precincts, and shall have fixed his or her citizenship according to law and that may be hereafter provided in such cases, shall be construed a citizen and elector of the county, district, or precinct in which he or she so fixes his or her citizenship, for all the purposes of this title.

 

Article 3 Registration of Electors

 

Section 17-3-50

Registration deadline.

The boards of registrars in the several counties of the state shall not register any person as a qualified elector within 14 days prior to any election; provided, that the boards shall maintain open offices during business days in such 14-day period and on election day during the hours of voting.

 

Section 17-3-51

Certificate of registration.

The registrars shall issue to each person registered a certificate of registration. When voting precinct boundaries and voting locations are changed, new certificates of registration shall be issued before the date of the election on which the changes are to take effect.

 

Section 17-3-52 

Examination and oath of applicants; disclosure of information.

The board of registrars shall have power to examine, under oath or affirmation, all applicants for registration, and to take testimony touching the qualifications of such applicants, but no applicant shall be required to answer any question, written or oral, not related to his or her qualifications to register. In order to aid the registrars to judicially determine if applicants to register have the qualifications to register to vote, each applicant shall be furnished by the board a written application, which shall be uniform in all cases with no discrimination as between applicants, the form and contents of which application shall be promulgated by rule by the Secretary of State of the State of Alabama. The application shall be so worded that there will be placed before the registrars information necessary or proper to aid them to pass upon the qualifications of each applicant. The application shall be completed in writing. There shall be incorporated in such application an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Alabama of 1901 and a statement in such oath by the applicant disavowing belief in or affiliation with any group or party which advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or the State of Alabama by unlawful means. The application and oath shall be duly signed by the applicant. If the applicant is unable to read or write, then the applicant shall be exempt from the above stated requirements which the applicant is unable to meet and in such cases a witness shall read to the applicant the application and oath herein provided for and the applicant’s answers thereto shall be written down by the witness, and the applicant shall be registered as a voter if he or she meets all other requirements herein set out. Each member of the board is authorized to administer the oaths to be taken by applicants and witnesses. Except as provided in Section 17-3-53, the applications of persons applying for registration shall not become public records as public records are defined under the laws of the State of Alabama, nor shall the board disclose the information contained in such applications and written answers, except with the written consent of the person who filed the answer or pursuant to the order of a court of competent jurisdiction in a proper proceeding.

 

Section 17-3-53

Access by political parties to voter registration information.

Political parties, as defined in Section 17-13-40, may obtain all voter registration information, except for voters’ Social Security numbers and month and day of birth, in the possession of boards of registrars or judges of probate concerning registered voters in their jurisdictions and to access statewide voter registration information pursuant to Section 17-4-33. The boards of registrars or judges of probate may collect the actual cost, if any, of providing the information. Nothing herein shall prohibit acts pertaining to individual counties which further provide for the availability of such voter information.

 

Section 17-3-54

Refusal of registration – Authorized; notice required.

Any person making application to the board of registrars for registration who fails to establish by evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the board of registrars that he or she is qualified to register, may be refused registration. The board shall give written notice to each applicant deemed unqualified, within 10 days of its refusal to register, stating the specific reason for such refusal.

 

Section 17-3-55

Refusal of registration – Appeal.

Any person to whom registration is denied shall have the right of appeal, without giving security for costs, within 30 days after such denial, by filing a petition in the probate court in the county in which he or she seeks to register, alleging that he or she is a citizen of the United States over the age of 18 years having the qualifications as to residence prescribed by law and entitled to register to vote under the provisions of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended. Upon the filing of the petition, the clerk of the probate court shall give notice thereof to the district attorney authorized to represent the state in the county, who shall appear and defend against the petition on behalf of the state. The registrars shall not be made parties and shall not be liable for costs. An appeal will lie to the circuit court in favor of the petitioner if taken within 30 days from the date of the judgment pursuant to Section 12-22-20. The issues shall be tried in the same manner and under the same rules that other cases are tried in such court and by a jury, if the petitioner demands it. Final judgment in favor of the petitioner shall entitle him or her to registration as of the date of his or her application to the registrars. An appeal from the circuit court will lie to the Alabama Supreme Court.

 

Section 17-3-56 

Registration required only once; exceptions.

No person heretofore registered and no person hereafter registered shall again be required to register unless he or she has changed the county of his or her domicile, or was convicted of a disqualifying criminal offense and was subsequently pardoned with restoration of the right to vote expressed in the pardon, or was declared incompetent, but has subsequently had those disabilities removed.

 

Section 17-3-57 

Forms and supplies; publication of notices; expenses.

The Secretary of State shall furnish to each board of registrars the necessary forms and supplies for effectuating the purposes of this chapter, and the expense incurred thereby shall be paid by the state. The cost of the publication of the notices required to be given by the registrars shall be paid by the state. The bills shall be rendered to the Department of Finance and approved by the Department of Finance. The several counties shall pay all other reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the boards in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.

 

Section 17-3-58

Voters in territory transferred to another county.

Every qualified elector of the State of Alabama whose domicile is in territory which has been detached from one county and added to an adjoining county of the State of Alabama shall be entitled to have his or her name added to the list of the qualified electors of the county to which the territory that contains his or her domicile has been added.

 

Section 17-3-59

Electors temporarily out of the county may register.

The following persons shall be entitled to register to vote by mail if they possess the qualifications of an elector and are not disqualified from voting under the Constitution and laws of Alabama: Members of the Armed Forces of the United States, persons employed outside the United States, persons absent because of attendance at institutions of higher learning and the spouses and children of such persons. Such persons shall be entitled to register by mail only in the counties where they were residents prior to entering the status which makes them eligible for such registration.

An application for absentee registration shall be in writing and shall be filed with the board of registrars of the county in which the elector resides. The board shall furnish the applicant a written application in the same form as that provided other applicants and any additional application deemed necessary to determine eligibility to register, which application shall be answered by the applicant without assistance and shall be verified before a commissioned officer of the Armed Forces of the United States or any person authorized to administer oaths and take affidavits. Such application shall be filed with the records of the board. The board may take other testimony respecting the applicant and the truthfulness of any information furnished by the applicant. Any additional testimony so taken shall be reduced to writing and shall be sworn to by the witness before a member or clerk of the board or anyone authorized to administer oaths.

 

Section 17-3-60

Clerical assistance for judge of probate and board of registrars.

The judge of probate may employ such assistants and clerical help as may be necessary to complete and properly prepare reports from the state voter registration list of the list of qualified electors which the judge of probate is required to furnish a certified copy to the election inspectors. The judge of probate shall receive or such assistants shall be paid out of the county treasury by warrants, drawn by the county commission on certificate of the judge of probate, accompanied by the certificates of the person being paid, showing the amount due under the provisions of this chapter, but the entire amount spent for the preparation of such lists shall not exceed a sum equal to the amount obtained by multiplying the number of names on the list by five cents ($.05) for the preparation of such list. The judge of probate in all counties having a population of not less than 100,000 nor more than 350,000, according to the last or any subsequent federal census, shall employ a clerk to assist the board of registrars of the county. The duties of the clerk shall be to submit to the board of registrars revised election lists of the county by placing all persons in their proper ward or precincts and eliminating therefrom all deceased, nonresident, and fictitious persons named upon the voting roll and those convicted of crime. The clerk shall further attend to all clerical work of the board of registrars. The clerk shall be paid a compensation out of the county treasury, of not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per month, to be fixed by the judge of probate.

The board of registrars shall be furnished with office space by the county governing body. The chair of the board of registrars is hereby authorized to purchase all necessary office equipment and hire all necessary part time or full time clerical help to perform its prescribed duties.

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Title 17 – Chapter 4

Chapter 4 – VOTER REGISTRATION LISTS

Article 1 County Voter Registration Lists

 

Section 17-4-1

Lists of registered voters to be published.

The judge of probate shall publish from the state voter registration list a correct alphabetical list of qualified electors either by county, precinct, district, or subdivision wherein each elector is registered to vote, in some newspaper with general circulation in the county, on or before the twentieth day preceding the regularly scheduled primary election. The list shall be accompanied by a printed certification generated by the state voter registration system verifying that the list contains the names of all qualified electors registered as of the specified time and date when it was printed. The list shall further state that any elector whose name was inadvertently omitted from the list shall have 10 days in which to have his or her name entered upon the list of qualified voters. If within 10 days any voter shall reasonably satisfy the board of registrars by proper proof that any name should be added to the list, the board shall add such name to the list. The supplemental list of registered voters inadvertently omitted from the original list shall be published once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county on or before the seventh day preceding the date of the primary election. The lists required to be published pursuant to this section may be published, at the discretion of the county commission, as a preprinted or inserted advertising supplement at a cost no greater than the selected newspaper’s lowest applicable national insertion rates. If the list is published as a preprinted supplement in the selected newspaper, the supplement size shall conform to the size requirements set by the selected newspaper and shall be printed on standard newsprint paper. The type size shall be no smaller than nine point standard type. The list shall also be delivered to the newspaper for insertion in a manner required for other advertising supplements. The supplement may not contain any other advertising. Any newspaper accepting a preprinted insertion that is not prepared by the newspaper shall not be responsible for the content of such insertion. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a county commission from publishing the list of voters in more than one newspaper within the county at the county commission’s discretion.

 

Section 17-4-2

State voter registration lists.

The board of registrars, when registration is closed before a primary, general, or special election, shall certify to the Secretary of State any additions, deletions, corrections, or changes to the state voter registration list. Except as provided in Section 17-4-2.1, after registration has closed and within the 10-day period before an election, the judge of probate and municipal election officials shall prepare and print a report from the state voter registration list of the correct alphabetical lists of the qualified electors registered by precincts, districts, or subdivisions of a precinct where the precinct has been divided or subdivided, if not within a city or incorporated town, and by wards and other subdivisions, if within a city or incorporated town, and no others. An electronic archive in the database for the state voter registration list shall be recorded simultaneously with the printing of each county’s list of qualified voters. Each printed list of qualified voters shall contain a printed certification generated by the state voter registration system establishing that the contents of the list are true and correct as of the specified time and date when it was printed. The judge of probate shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the inspectors in each precinct, each district, each ward, or each other subdivision one copy of the list of qualified electors printed for such box or voting place immediately preceding every general, primary, or special election, and the delivered list shall contain only the names of persons qualified to vote at such box or voting place; except, that for purposes of information only, there may be delivered to the inspectors lists prepared for other boxes or voting places. The list published in the newspaper before each primary election shall not be used as the poll list.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, electronic access to the state voter registration list may be utilized in lieu of a printed list in accordance with administrative rules promulgated and implemented by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State shall send any proposed new rule or amendment to an existing rule by certified mail to each county canvassing board at least 30 days prior to certification of the proposed rule or amendment pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act.

Both the board of registrars and the judge of probate shall keep a current copy of the qualified elector list for the county open and subject to public inspection.

 

Section 17-4-2.1

Electronic poll books.

(a) The Secretary of State may allow the use of electronic poll books in lieu of the printed lists of qualified voters provided for in Section 17-4-2 and the poll lists provided for in Sections 17-9-11 and 17-13-7. A county, with consent of the county commission and judge of probate, may use electronic poll books in lieu of the printed lists of qualified voters. In addition, the Secretary of State and municipal governing bodies may allow the use of electronic poll books in lieu of the printed lists of qualified voters provided for in Section 11-46-36 or any local law governing a municipal election.

(b) A participating county or municipality may adopt the use of any electronic poll book that has been certified by the Secretary of State for use in this state.

(c) To be certified for use by the Secretary of State, an electronic poll book shall do all of the following:

(1) Be secure.

(2) Be compatible with the statewide voter registration system.

(3) Include a failsafe data recovery procedure for information included in the electronic poll book.

(4) Contain the same information as the printed lists provided for in Section 11-46-36 and any local law governing a municipal election and in Section 17-4-2 and the poll lists provided for in Section 11-46-50 and any local law governing a municipal election and in Sections 17-9-11 and 17-13-7.

(5) Indicate whether the voter applied for an absentee ballot and the registration status of the voter in the statewide voter registration list.

(6) Provide an electronic process to check in a voter on election day that incorporates the signature requirements set forth in Section 11-46-50 and any local law governing a municipal election and in Section 17-9-11; provided that this process may not be used for checking in a voter who is required to cast a provisional ballot as provided for in Chapter 10 of this title, or whose name is not contained in the electronic poll book as an eligible voter for the precinct.

(7) Provide functionality for quickly and accurately uploading voter history into the statewide voter registration list in accordance with Section 17-4-33.

(8) Provide for the retention of the voter data contained in the electronic poll book for the applicable retention period applicable to the records of election, which may be accomplished by archiving the data in electronic format on an external data storage device.

(9) When used in a primary election or primary runoff election, provide for the recording and subsequent printing or exporting of electronic data of names and electronic signatures of the voters participating in the primary election or primary runoff election of each political party.

(10) Comply with additional requirements as determined to be necessary and promulgated by the Secretary of State by rule pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act.

(d) Electronic poll books may not be populated with data for eligible voters until the 10-day period immediately prior to an election in accordance with Section 17-4-2.

(e) The Secretary of State shall develop and provide to each participating county and municipality instructions, directives, and advisories regarding the examination, testing, and use of the electronic poll books.

(f) All expenses and costs incurred by a county commission in carrying out this section may be paid from funds made available to the Secretary of State under state and federal law to pay all such expenses and costs in all participating counties, from county general funds, or from municipal general funds.

(g) The Secretary of State may promulgate rules pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the provisions of this section.

 

Section 17-4-3

County board of registrars to purge disqualified electors.

(a) Each county board of registrars shall purge the computerized statewide voter registration list on a continuous basis, whenever it receives and confirms information that a person registered to vote in that county has died, become a nonresident of the state or county, been declared mentally incompetent, been convicted of any offense designated pursuant to Section 17-3-30.1 as a felony involving moral turpitude for the purposes of Article VIII of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901 since being registered, or otherwise become disqualified as an elector. Except as provided below, a person convicted of a disqualifying criminal offense shall be notified by certified mail sent to the voter’s last known address of the board’s intention to strike his or her name from the list. No person convicted of a disqualifying crime may be stricken from the poll list while an appeal from the conviction is pending.

(b) On the date set in the notice, or at a later date to which the case may have been continued by the board, the board shall proceed to consider the case of the elector whose name it proposes to strike from the registration list and make its determination. Any person whose name is stricken from the list may appeal from the decision of the board without giving security for costs, and the board shall forthwith certify the proceedings to the judge of probate who shall docket the case in the probate court.

(c) An appeal from the judge of probate shall be as appeals set forth in Section 17-3-55.

(d) In the event the Board of Pardons and Paroles is supervising a person convicted of a disqualifying criminal offense on probation or parole, and the person has received face-to-face counseling from the supervising officer regarding voter disqualification and executed documentation explaining the loss and restoration of civil and political rights, upon receipt of the documentation, signed by the disqualified elector, the county board of registrars shall be exempt from providing notice as otherwise required by this section. The document administered by the Board of Pardons and Paroles and to be signed by the disqualified elector shall contain the following statement: “Any person convicted of a disqualifying felony loses his or her civil and political rights, which includes the right to vote. Restoration of these rights may be applied for through the Central Montgomery Office of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, but only upon completion of the requirements of Section 15-22-36.1.”

(e) The Board of Pardons and Paroles shall provide signed documentation to county boards of registrars to indicate those persons under probation or parole supervision with the board who have been convicted of a disqualifying criminal offense and been counseled regarding voter disqualification and the restoration of civil and political rights, and may otherwise share privileged records and files with county boards of registrars for the limited purpose of implementing the requirements of this section.

(f) When the board has sufficient evidence furnished it that any elector has permanently moved from one precinct to another within the county, it shall change the elector’s precinct designation in the voter registration list, and shall give notice by mail to the elector of the precinct in which the elector is registered to vote.

(g) The Secretary of State and the Board of Pardons and Paroles may promulgate rules in accordance with the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act as necessary to implement this section.

 

Section 17-4-4

Information of deaths, incompetency, and convictions to be furnished to boards of registrars; rulemaking authority.

(a) In addition to all other duties now required by law, the Office of Vital Statistics of the State Department of Public Health shall furnish to the board of registrars of the county in which such district is located, once each month, a report of the death of all persons over 18 years of age who resided in such registration district.

(b) In addition to all other duties now required by law, the judges of probate of the several counties of this state shall furnish to the board of registrars of their respective counties, once each month, a list of all residents of the county, 18 years of age or over, who have been declared mentally incompetent.

(c) In addition to all other duties required by law, the clerks of the circuit and district courts of this state shall furnish to the board of registrars of each county, once each month, a list of all residents of that county who have been convicted of any offense designated pursuant to Section 17-3-30.1 as a felony involving moral turpitude for the purposes of Article VIII of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901. Any person who willfully fails to perform such duties shall forfeit the sum of one hundred dollars ($100) for each such failure. Such sum may be recovered in an action by law by any citizen of the county in which the officer acts, one half to his or her own use and one half to the use of the state.

(d) The Secretary of State and the Board of Pardons and Paroles may promulgate rules in accordance with the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act as necessary to implement this section.

 

Section 17-4-5 

Notice of previous registration to be given.

When a person makes application for registration before a county board of registrars, it shall be the duty of that board, if the elector has been previously registered before in any other county or state, to notify the registrar of voters in the county or state of the previous registration that such elector has applied for and been registered as an elector in the county where such application for registration is made. In addition to asking an elector whether he or she has been previously registered before in any other county or state, the board of registrars shall ascertain if an elector has been previously registered before in any other county of this state by conducting a computerized search of the statewide voter registration list, using the elector’s name along with any other identifying information provided by the elector.

When the notice required in this section is received by the board of registrars of any county where such person had been previously registered, it shall be the duty of the board of registrars receiving such notice to remove forthwith the name of such person from the list of qualified electors of the county of previous registration, and such person shall thereafter be disqualified to vote in any election held in any county of previous registration unless the person is duly reregistered.

 

Section 17-4-6

Information to be provided by state departments or agencies.

(a) To facilitate the continuous maintenance of the computerized statewide voter registration list, each county board of registrars shall investigate written reports from a family member of an elector, the inspector of an election precinct, the judge of probate, the sheriff, and the clerk of the circuit court that an elector registered to vote in a precinct has died or become a nonresident of the precinct in which he or she is registered to vote.  The inspector, judge of probate, sheriff, or clerk of the circuit court shall provide the board of registrars, on a form to be prescribed by the Secretary of State, sufficient information to identify the elector in the statewide voter file and a statement as to the source and nature of the information upon which he or she believes a person is deceased or has become a nonresident of the precinct in which he or she is registered to vote.

(b) To facilitate the continuous maintenance of the computerized statewide voter registration list, each county board of registrars shall investigate signed, written reports from a member of an elector’s family that the elector is deceased.  The family member shall complete a form to be prescribed by the Secretary of State identifying the name of the elector who is deceased, the name of the family member reporting the death, the relationship of the family member to the elector, and other identifying information as specified by the Secretary of State to facilitate investigation of the claim that the elector is deceased.

(c) Each county board of registrars, whenever it receives a written report provided in accordance with subsection (a) that an elector has become a nonresident of the precinct in which he or she is registered to vote, shall investigate and determine if the elector should be disqualified from the statewide voter registration list.  Upon determining that the elector should be disqualified from the statewide voter registration list, the county board of registrars shall give notice to the elector of the proposed change in status by U.S. mail to the last known mailing address of the elector.  The elector shall be provided 30 days to respond to the determination by the county board of registrars and provide the registrars evidence as to his or her qualifications to remain a qualified elector at the residential address as recorded in his or her voter registration record.

(d) Each county board of registrars, whenever it receives a written report provided in accordance with subsection (a) or (b) that an elector is deceased, shall determine if the elector should be disqualified from the statewide voter registration list.  If the information regarding the elector’s death is based on official records maintained in the office of the judge of probate, sheriff, or clerk of the circuit court, the county board of registrars shall forthwith remove the elector from the statewide voter registration list without the requirement of further investigation.  If the information regarding the elector’s death is not based on official records maintained in the office of the judge of probate, sheriff, or clerk of the circuit court, the county board of registrars shall investigate to confirm whether the elector is deceased.

(e) To further the implementation of subsection (d), the State Registrar in the Department of Public Health may render a bill to the Department of Finance for any fee required pursuant to subdivision (4) of subsection (a) of Section 22-9A-22 when a county board of registrars requests copies of records as part of its investigation of a report of an elector’s death.

(f) The Secretary of State is granted rulemaking authority under the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act for establishing procedures and forms to be used in the implementation of this section.

 

Section 17-4-6.1

Investigation of registered voter reported to be deceased or a nonresident of the precinct.

(a) To facilitate the continuous maintenance of the computerized statewide voter registration list, each county board of registrars shall investigate written reports from a family member of an elector, the inspector of an election precinct, the judge of probate, the sheriff, and the clerk of the circuit court that an elector registered to vote in a precinct has died or become a nonresident of the precinct in which he or she is registered to vote. The inspector, judge of probate, sheriff, or clerk of the circuit court shall provide the board of registrars, on a form to be prescribed by the Secretary of State, sufficient information to identify the elector in the statewide voter file and a statement as to the source and nature of the information upon which he or she believes a person is deceased or has become a nonresident of the precinct in which he or she is registered to vote.

(b) To facilitate the continuous maintenance of the computerized statewide voter registration list, each county board of registrars shall investigate signed, written reports from a member of an elector’s family that the elector is deceased. The family member shall complete a form to be prescribed by the Secretary of State identifying the name of the elector who is deceased, the name of the family member reporting the death, the relationship of the family member to the elector, and other identifying information as specified by the Secretary of State to facilitate investigation of the claim that the elector is deceased.

(c) Each county board of registrars, whenever it receives a written report provided in accordance with subsection (a) that an elector has become a nonresident of the precinct in which he or she is registered to vote, shall investigate and determine if the elector should be disqualified from the statewide voter registration list. Upon determining that the elector should be disqualified from the statewide voter registration list, the county board of registrars shall give notice to the elector of the proposed change in status by U.S. mail to the last known mailing address of the elector. The elector shall be provided 30 days to respond to the determination by the county board of registrars and provide the registrars evidence as to his or her qualifications to remain a qualified elector at the residential address as recorded in his or her voter registration record.

(d) Each county board of registrars, whenever it receives a written report provided in accordance with subsection (a) or (b) that an elector is deceased, shall determine if the elector should be disqualified from the statewide voter registration list. If the information regarding the elector’s death is based on official records maintained in the office of the judge of probate, sheriff, or clerk of the circuit court, the county board of registrars shall forthwith remove the elector from the statewide voter registration list without the requirement of further investigation. If the information regarding the elector’s death is not based on official records maintained in the office of the judge of probate, sheriff, or clerk of the circuit court, the county board of registrars shall investigate to confirm whether the elector is deceased.

(e) To further the implementation of subsection (d), the State Registrar in the Department of Public Health may render a bill to the Department of Finance for any fee required pursuant to subdivision (4) of subsection (a) of Section 22-9A-22 when a county board of registrars requests copies of records as part of its investigation of a report of an elector’s death.

(f) The Secretary of State is granted rulemaking authority under the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act for establishing procedures and forms to be used in the implementation of this section.

 

Section 17-4-7

Meeting of board of registrars for voter list maintenance.

In addition to the duty of the board of registrars to update the voter registration list on a continuous basis, the board of registrars shall meet during the month of January for the purpose of conducting the voter list maintenance activities prescribed herein, including the purging of the registration lists.

 

Section 17-4-8

Electors to reidentify themselves; notice of reidentification; when eligible by mail.

Each voter whose name is to be removed shall reidentify himself or herself by appearing in person before a registrar, or by appearing before the judge of probate, or either of the clerks in the office of the judge of probate, or through his or her representative before the board of registrars in regular session except that the following persons shall be entitled to reidentify by mail if they possess the qualifications of an elector and are not disqualified from voting under the constitution and laws of Alabama: Members of the Armed Forces of the United States, persons employed outside the United States, persons absent because of attendance at an institution of higher learning, and the spouses and children of such persons. The board of registrars shall notify such persons who are eligible for reidentification by mail as to how they can reidentify themselves. Electors eligible to reidentify by mail shall have their eligibility verified before a commissioned officer of the Armed Forces of the United States, or any person authorized to administer oaths and take affidavits, or before two witnesses who are 18 years old or older.

 

Section 17-4-9

Inactive voter list; voter reidentification.

Any voter who fails to vote for four years in his or her county shall have his or her name placed on an inactive voter list by the local board of registrars. Once on the inactive list, the voter shall reidentify with the local board of registrars in order to again have his or her name placed on the active voter registration list. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a voter on the inactive list goes to his or her polling place to vote on an election day and identifies himself or herself to the election official responsible for the voter registration list update, such voter shall be permitted to vote provided the voter completes a voter reidentification form.

 

Section 17-4-10 

Publication of names to be struck from list.

The names of persons in the county to be struck from the list of registered voters shall be listed by precinct and in alphabetical order and published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for two consecutive weeks in November or December of each year in which the statewide voter file maintenance is conducted.

 

Section 17-4-11

Only electors disqualified or not reidentified to be removed.

The board shall not remove the name of any elector, known by any member of the board, or made known to the board by another qualified elector, or duly representative of the elector whose name is to be stricken, to be a legal resident of the county not known to be suffering from any disqualification. In purging the list of qualified electors, the board of registrars shall remove only the names of those persons who have not reidentified in the manner prescribed herein.

 

Section 17-4-12

Records to show reason for striking elector from list; removal for failure to reidentify not permanent disqualification.

When the name of any elector is struck from the registration list, the records maintained by the board of registrars must show the reason for striking the elector from the list. No such person whose name is removed from the list of qualified electors for failure to reidentify shall cease permanently to be a qualified elector nor be subject to reregistration, but shall be subject only to the requirement that he or she reidentify as prescribed herein.

 

Section 17-4-13

Procedure for having name restored to list of qualified electors; limitation of provisions.

Any qualified elector of the county whose name is omitted or removed from the list of qualified electors for failure to appear and reidentify himself or herself and who has not otherwise been reidentified as herein provided shall be entitled to have his or her name restored to the list of qualified electors by written affidavit or appearing in person before a registrar, at the office of the board of registrars, or at the office of the judge of probate, certifying that he or she is in fact a bona fide registered voter of that county; provided, however, that any qualified elector can be reidentified on election day; provided further, however, that this article shall not be construed or applied to impair or deny the right to vote in person or by absentee ballot of any person or of the spouse or child of any person who is in active duty of any of the Armed Forces of the United States of America and stationed, and as to the spouse or child, who is living with her or his husband or wife, mother or father, as the case may be, outside of the county, or who is living outside the county while attending a college or university or other institution of higher education or who is employed outside of the United States during the period of time from May 21, 1984; and provided further that the provisions of this article shall not restrict the board of registrars from purging the registration lists as provided in this article.

 

Section 17-4-14

Permanent list of qualified electors.

The Secretary of State shall maintain a permanent list of all qualified electors which shall include the electors’ county, precinct, voting history, race, and other information required in Sections 17-4-33 and 17-4-36.

 

Article 2 Statewide Voter Registration File, Voter Registration Advisory Board, and Director of Voter Registration

 

Section 17-4-30

Notice to registered voters; updating voter lists; suspense file; publication of names to be struck from list.

(a) Beginning in January 1997, and in January of every fourth year thereafter, the boards of registrars shall mail a nonforwardable notice to all registered voters in the county. The notice shall be designed and provided for the boards of registrars by the Secretary of State. The notice shall be sent on a postcard providing general information on elections. The notice shall be mailed to the last known address of the voter appearing on the voter registration list. If the notice is returned to the boards of registrars indicating that the voter may have relocated, the board shall send a forwardable notice to the registered voter on which the voter may confirm his or her current address. The forwardable notice shall be mailed no later than 90 days after receipt of the returned nonforwardable notice. The boards of registrars shall record and maintain the dates on which the nonforwardable notice was returned to the board and the date on which the forwardable notice was mailed to the registered voter.

(b) The boards of registrars shall update the voter list for the county using the information reported to the board by the registered voters on the address confirmation cards provided for in subsection (a). If the registered voter does not respond to the forwardable notice on which the registered voter may confirm his or her address within 90 days of the date on which the notice was mailed or if the forwardable notice is returned to the board as undeliverable, the boards of registrars shall place the name of the registered voter on the inactive list of registered voters and in a suspense file in the office of the board. The suspense file shall contain all of the following information:

(1) The name of the registered voter.

(2) The last known address of the registered voter.

(3) At least the last four digits of the Social Security number or other personal identification number of the registered voter.

(4) The date on which the name of the registered voter was placed in the suspense file.

(c) The name of a registered voter who does not vote or appear to vote in one of the next two federal elections held after his or her name is placed in the suspense file shall be removed from the voter list.

(d) The names of persons to be removed from the list of registered voters pursuant to this section shall be published in accordance with Section 17-4-10.

 

Section 17-4-31

State to reimburse county commissions certain costs associated with process.

The state shall reimburse each county commission for all the postage costs associated with voter lists maintenance activities provided for in Section 17-4-30 and one-fourth of the cost of the publication of the names of persons to be removed from the list of registered voters as required in Section 17-4-10. The reimbursement shall be made from the Election Expenses Account in the State Treasury upon approval by the Secretary of State on warrants drawn by the state Comptroller.

 

Section 17-4-32

Judge of probate to have access to current list of registered voters; no state entities to pay costs for access to list.

The judge of probate shall have access to and be provided with the current list of registered voters within his or her county at no cost within seven days after making the request. If computer access to the list of registered voters is available, upon request for access, the judge of probate shall be provided with immediate on-line availability to the list. No agency, department, or office of the State of Alabama shall pay any cost associated with printing or computer access to a list of registered voters available to a judge of probate under this section.

 

Section 17-4-33

Computerized statewide voter registration list.

(a) The State of Alabama shall provide, through the Secretary of State, a nondiscriminatory, single, uniform, official, centralized, interactive computerized statewide voter registration list defined, maintained, and administered by the Secretary of State, with advice from the Voter Registration Advisory Board and the President of the Alabama Probate Judges Association, which contains the name and registration information of every legally registered voter in the state. The computerized list shall comply with the following requirements:

(1) It shall serve as the single system for storing and managing the official list of registered voters throughout the state.

(2) It shall contain the name, address, and voting location, as well as other information deemed necessary by the Voter Registration Advisory Board or the Secretary of State, of every legally registered voter in the state.

(3) A unique identifier shall be assigned to each legally registered voter in the state.

(4) It shall contain the voting history of each registered voter.

(5) It shall be coordinated with the driver’s license database of the Department of Public Safety and the appropriate state agency to assist in the removal of deceased voters.

(6) Any election official in the state, including any local election official, may obtain immediate electronic access to the information contained in the computerized list.

(7) All voter registration information obtained by any registrar in the state shall be electronically entered into the computerized list on an expedited basis at the time information is provided to the registrar.

(8) The Secretary of State shall provide such support as may be required so that registrars are able to enter voter registration information.

(9) It shall serve as the official voter registration list for the conduct of all elections.

(10) Following each state and county election, the Secretary of State shall provide one electronic copy of the computerized voter list free of charge to each political party that satisfied the ballot access requirements for that election. The electronic copy of the computerized voter list shall be provided within 30 days of the certification of the election or upon the completion of the election vote history update following the election, whichever comes first. In addition, upon written request from the chair of a political party, the Secretary of State shall furnish up to two additional electronic copies of the computerized voter file during each calendar year to each political party that satisfied the ballot access requirements during the last statewide election held prior to that calendar year. The electronic copies provided pursuant to this section shall contain the full, editable data as it exists in the computerized voter list maintained by the Secretary of State.

(11) The list shall be maintained so that it is technologically secure.

(b) The Secretary of State, or judge of probate, or absentee election manager, or municipal clerk, or registrar shall include the name and omit the residential and mailing address of a registered voter on any generally available list of registered voters, except for those lists provided to federal and state agencies, upon the written signed affidavit of the registered voter to the board of registrars of the county in which the individual is registered or intends to register, affirming either of the following:

(1) That the registered voter, or a minor who is in the legal custody of the registered voter, is or has been the victim of domestic violence as provided in Article 7, commencing with Section 13A-6-130, of Chapter 6 of Title 13A.

(2) That a domestic violence order is or has been issued by a judge or magistrate pursuant to the Domestic Violence Protection Order Enforcement Act, to restrain access to the registered voter or a minor who is in the legal custody of the registered voter.

 

Section 17-4-34

State Voter Registration Advisory Board.

(a) As an oversight board for the system, there is created and established a State Voter Registration Advisory Board composed of nine members, to be appointed as follows:

Three members by the Governor, one of whom shall reflect the racial, ethnic, gender, and age diversity of the state.

Three members by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, one of whom shall reflect the racial, ethnic, gender, and age diversity of the state.

Three members by the State Auditor, one of whom shall reflect the racial, ethnic, gender, and age diversity of the state.

Such appointments shall be made no later than September 30, 2003. Persons appointed to the Voter Registration Advisory Board shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and shall have knowledge of the workings of voter registration and election laws and shall receive no compensation for their services other than reimbursement for traveling and other expenses actually incurred in the performance of their official duties. The expenses shall be paid in the manner and amount as is provided for other state officers and employees and persons traveling on official business for state departments and agencies. The appointees shall meet within 30 days after their appointments to select one of their number as chair who shall serve for two years. Thereafter, the Voter Registration Advisory Board shall elect a new chair every four years. The Voter Registration Advisory Board shall meet regularly at least once during each quarter and at such special meetings as may be called, from time to time, by the chair.

(b) The Voter Registration Advisory Board shall have the following duties:

(1) To oversee the statewide voter registration list created in this chapter.

(2) To advise and consult with the Secretary of State concerning the statewide voter registration file maintenance system created in this chapter.

(3) To recommend to the Legislature and the Governor any needed improvements or legislation in regard to the statewide voter registration file.

(4) To make studies of conditions and problems pertaining to voter identification and registration in the state.

(5) To keep abreast of the latest developments in the field of voter identification and registration.

(6) To promote honesty, fairness, and integrity in lists of qualified voters, the voter registration process, and the election process in the State of Alabama.

 

Section 17-4-35

Supervisor of Voter Registration.

The Supervisor of Voter Registration shall be employed by the Secretary of State under the terms and conditions of the state Merit System and the salary and benefits shall be set by the Secretary of State out of funds appropriated for such purpose. The Supervisor of Voter Registration shall work at the direction of the Secretary of State. In addition to those duties assigned by the Secretary of State, the Supervisor of Voter Registration shall have the following duties:

(1) To keep the minutes of the meetings of the Voter Registration Advisory Board, conduct the day-to-day business activities of the Voter Registration Advisory Board, and give progress reports on such activities at its meetings.

(2) To serve as a liaison between the Secretary of State and the county boards of registrars on implementation of existing and future laws pertaining to voter registration.

(3) To provide to the county boards of registrars such information as would allow them to determine which names should be stricken by them from voter lists in accordance with state law.

(4) To provide assistance to the county boards of registrars in determining the names of any person or persons who are deceased, who are no longer qualified to vote in the election district where registered due to removal of residence from the county in which he or she is registered, or from the State of Alabama, who has been convicted of a disqualifying crime, or who is otherwise no longer qualified to vote as may be provided by law.

(5) To establish and maintain a statewide voter registration list including all registered voters of the state as such information is reported to the Supervisor of Voter Registration by the boards of registrars or judges of probate of the various counties.

(6) To maintain all information furnished to the Supervisor of Voter Registration relating to the inclusion or deletion of names from the lists of registered voters.

(7) To acquire by purchase, lease, or contract, the use of such equipment as is required to establish a fully centralized statewide voter registration list which will allow the computerization of all of the offices of the boards of registrars throughout the state upon legislative approval of funds for such computerization, the communication of necessary information between the boards of registrars and the Supervisor of Voter Registration; storage and instant comparison of names and other identifying information contained in voter lists, automatically identifying duplicate entries, produce in printed forms selected names or lists of names with identifying information, and do such other tasks as may be designated for it by the Supervisor of Voter Registration.

(8) To recommend procedures and administrative rules to the Secretary of State and prepare forms necessary to properly carry out such duties set forth herein.

(9) To secure from each county voter registration information and from any state department, agency, board, bureau, or commission, or from any other sources, information regarding the death, conviction of disqualifying crime, or removal of residence from the county or state of any registered voter.

(10) To furnish, at a reasonable reproduction cost and within 14 days of receipt of the request, voter registration lists limited to the names, addresses, and political subdivisions or voting places to candidates for election or political party nomination to further their candidacy, political party committees or officials thereof for political purposes only, incumbent officeholders to report to their constituents; nonprofit organizations which promote voter participation and registration for that purpose only; and for no other purpose and to no one else; failure to furnish the requested voter registration list within 14 days of receipt of a request shall result in no charge to the requesting entity and the cost shall be absorbed by the Secretary of State.

(11) To perform such duties pertaining to voter registration as may be assigned by the Secretary of State.

(12) To supervise persons employed by the Secretary of State, subject to the state Merit System laws and entitled to the rights of benefits thereunder, as may be necessary to carry out this article.

(13) To train, counsel, advise, and evaluate registrars in the performance of their lawful functions.

(14) To provide military and overseas voters with voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications and otherwise assist such voters with information helpful in becoming registered, changing registration, and obtaining absentee ballots.

(15) To provide information relating to procedures for registering and voting an absentee ballot.

 

Section 17-4-36

Duties of boards of registrars; voter registration identification number.

(a) In order to establish the statewide voter file and to ensure its continued accuracy, it shall be the duty of the boards of registrars, on forms or in a rule prescribed by the Secretary of State:

(1) To provide the Secretary of State the name, driver’s license number or non-driver’s identification number, if such number is known, the last four digits of the Social Security number, if such number is known, date of birth, address, race, sex, and political subdivision or voting place of each registered voter in their respective counties within one month after a written request from the Secretary of State.

(2) To provide the Secretary of State the name, driver’s license number or non-driver’s identification number, if such number is known, the last four digits of the Social Security number, if such number is known, date of birth, address, race, sex, political subdivision or voting place, place of previous registration, if applicable, and date of registration of each newly registered voter as such voter is registered.

(3) To provide to the Secretary of State the name, driver’s license number or non-driver’s identification number, if such number is known, the last four digits of the Social Security number, if such number is known, date of birth, address, race, sex, political subdivision or voting place, and date of reidentification of every voter who reidentifies, pursuant to this chapter.

(b) Where an applicant for voter registration is unable to produce either a driver’s license number, a non-driver’s identification number, or the last four digits of the Social Security number, the state voter registration list shall assign a unique number which shall serve as the registrant’s voter registration identification number.

 

Section 17-4-37

Applicability of chapter.

All voter registration, voter reidentification, and the purging of voters from the voter roll shall be done pursuant to this chapter.

 

Section 17-4-38

Dissemination of information on voter registration.

(a) The Secretary of State shall ensure that all applicants obtain requested voter lists in a timely manner. Methods shall be established for the transmission of tapes, discs, or lists to any applicant. Hindrances shall not be created or devised to delay transmission of tapes, discs, or lists to any applicant.

(b) Except as provided in this section, there shall be a uniform charge for the production of voter lists. The reproduction costs of the basic electronic copy of the statewide file shall be reasonable as determined by the Secretary of State and a fee schedule shall be conspicuously posted in the office of the Secretary of State. Costs of printed copies of lists are as otherwise provided by law.

(c) Access to the lists and voter history information contained on the central computer in the office of the Secretary of State is accessible to anyone making application, except Social Security numbers which are not to be released.

(d) Proceeds from the sale of tapes, discs, lists, labels, or other materials from the Secretary of State shall be retained by the Secretary of State for use in voter registration.

(e) The Secretary of State shall provide, without charge, each legislator one copy of the voter list in his or her district within 90 days of his or her assuming office.

(f) Upon application and without charge, the Administrative Office of Courts shall be provided with an electronic copy of the statewide voter list no more than once a year for its use in the production of a master jury list or for any other lawful purpose.

(g) Upon application and without charge, the chief elections officer of any other state shall be provided with an electronic copy of the statewide voter list no more than once a year for any lawful purpose, on the condition that the chief elections officer of the requesting state agrees to reciprocate and provide a copy of the statewide voter list of that state to the chief elections officer of this state upon request and without charge, to be used for any lawful purpose. The Secretary of State may enter into an agreement with any other state, at any time, regarding the exchange of statewide voter lists.

(h) Resale of any portion of the list by the Administrative Office of Courts, or the office of the chief elections officer of any other state, shall be strictly prohibited.

 

Section 17-4-38.1 

Collecting, sharing, and verifying information; costs; rulemaking authority.

(a) State agencies shall provide to the Secretary of State, on a schedule to be determined by the Secretary of State, any information and data that the Secretary of State considers necessary in order to maintain the statewide voter registration database established pursuant to Section 17-4-33, except where prohibited by federal law or federal regulation. The Secretary of State shall ensure that any information or data provided to the Secretary of State that is confidential in the possession of the entity providing the data remains confidential while in the possession of the Secretary of State.

(b) The Secretary of State may enter into agreements to share information or data with other states or group of states, as the Secretary of State considers necessary, in order to maintain the statewide voter registration database. Information or data that the Secretary of State may share pursuant to this subsection includes, but is not limited to, an electronic copy of the statewide voter list and data obtained pursuant to subsection (a). Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Secretary of State shall ensure that any information or data provided to the Secretary of State that is confidential in the possession of the state providing the data remains confidential while in the possession of the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State may provide such otherwise confidential information or data to county boards of registrars for legitimate governmental purposes related to the maintenance of the statewide voter registration database.

(c) A county board of registrars shall contact a registered elector by mail to verify the accuracy of the information in the statewide voter registration database regarding that elector if information provided under subsection (a) or (b) identifies a residential address for the elector that lies outside of the county in which the elector is registered to vote, except when the information provided under subsection (a) or (b) indicates that the elector registered to vote in another jurisdiction, within or without the State of Alabama, at a date subsequent to the date the elector registered to vote in the jurisdiction of the county board of registrars.

(d) The costs associated with agreements entered into by the Secretary of State as provided for in subsection (b) may be rendered by the Secretary of State to the Department of Finance and paid from the voter registration fund.

The cost of production and mailing required in subsection (c) shall be rendered by the Secretary of State to the Department of Finance and paid from the voter registration fund.

(e) The Secretary of State may promulgate rules in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to implement this section.

 

Section 17-4-39

Maintenance of state voter registration list.

It shall be the responsibility of the board of registrars to enter in a timely manner the names of the electors who vote in each election into the state voter registration list.

 

Article 3 The National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act of 2002

Section 17-4-60

Implementation of federal acts.

(a) The Secretary of State shall be the primary state official for federal contact for the implementation of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and the Help America Vote Act of 2002.

(b) The State Department of Public Safety shall integrate voter registration into driver’s license application and renewal or updating procedures and shall coordinate its driver’s license database with the state voter registration list and the Social Security Administration’s database in accordance with the Help America Vote Act of 2002.

(c) The state through the Secretary of State’s office shall allow citizens to register to vote by mail. The voter registration application may be designed by the Secretary of State provided it meets the requirements of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. The Secretary of State may, however, choose to use federally prescribed forms.

(d) State agencies which provide food stamps, Medicaid, services related to the Women and Infant Children program (WIC), services related to Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), and agencies providing services to the disabled shall provide voter registration opportunities to their clientele in accordance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

(e) Recruitment offices of the Armed Forces of the United States shall provide voter registration opportunities to their clientele in accordance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

(f) Other public offices and agencies which may provide the voter registration services provided by the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 include public libraries, public schools, offices of municipal clerks, probate offices, state and local revenue offices, unemployment compensation offices, offices providing services to the disabled other than those required in subsection (d) to provide voter registration services, and federal and nongovernmental offices which agree to provide the voter registration services.

(g) Voter registration, confirmation documents, and any other documents necessary to be prescribed by the Secretary of State to meet the requirements of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 shall be prepared and furnished as provided for in Section 17-3-57.

(h) The Secretary of State, by rule, may prescribe forms in furtherance of state election laws deemed helpful to disabled voters and voters speaking an alternative language to English who, according to the most recent decennial census, comprise more than five percent of the voting age population for any county in Alabama.

 

Section 17-4-61 

Additional personnel.

The Secretary of State may hire a computer programmer or other necessary personnel to carry out the additional responsibilities placed on his or her office by state implementation of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. The programmer and other personnel employed shall be under the state Merit System.

 

Section 17-4-62

Voter Registration Fund.

There is established a separate trust fund in the State Treasury to be known as the Voter Registration Fund. All receipts collected under this article by the Secretary of State are to be deposited in this fund. The receipts shall be disbursed only by warrant of the state Comptroller drawn upon the State Treasury supported by itemized vouchers approved by the Secretary of State. No funds shall be withdrawn or expended except as budgeted and allotted according to Sections 41-4-80 to 41-4-96, inclusive, and 41-19-1 to 41-19-12, inclusive, and only in amounts as stipulated in the general appropriations act, or other appropriations acts.

 

Section 17-4-63 

Rules, forms, and instructions; inter-agency agreements.

The Secretary of State shall promulgate rules and prescribe forms and instructions as shall be necessary to implement the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 in Alabama or the Help America Vote Act of 2002, including any rules and forms necessary for the administration of the acts by state departments and agencies. The Secretary of State is further authorized to enter into inter-agency agreements with other government agencies for the implementation of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and the Help America Vote Act of 2002.

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Title 17 – Chapter 5

Chapter 5 – THE FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES ACT

 

Section 17-5-1

Short title.

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Fair Campaign Practices Act.”

 

Section 17-5-2

Definitions.

(a) For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) CANDIDATE. An individual who has done any of the following:

a. Taken the action necessary under the laws of the state to qualify himself or herself for nomination or for election to any state office or local office or in the case of an independent seeking ballot access, on the date when he or she files a petition with the judge of probate in the case of county offices, with the appropriate qualifying municipal official in the case of municipal offices, or the Secretary of State in all other cases.

b. Received contributions or made expenditures in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000), or given his or her consent for any other person or persons to receive contributions or make expenditures in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000), with a view to bringing about his or her nomination or election to any state office or local office.

(2) COMMISSION. The State Ethics Commission created pursuant to Section 36-25-3.

(3) CONTRIBUTION.

a. Any of the following shall be considered a contribution:

1. A gift, subscription, loan, advance, deposit of money or anything of value, a payment, a forgiveness of a loan, or payment of a third party, made for the purpose of influencing the result of an election.

2. A contract or agreement to make a gift, subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money or anything of value for the purpose of influencing the result of an election.

3. Any transfer of anything of value received by a political committee from another political committee, political party, or other source.

4. The payment of compensation by any person for the personal services or expenses of any other person if the services are rendered or expenses incurred on behalf of a candidate, political committee, or political party without payment of full and adequate compensation by the candidate, political committee, or political party. Provided, however, that the payment of compensation by a corporation for the purpose of establishing, administering, or soliciting voluntary contributions to a separate, segregated fund as permitted in this chapter, shall not constitute a contribution.

b. The term “contribution” does not include:

1. The value of services provided without compensation by individuals who volunteer a portion or all of their time on behalf of a candidate or political committee.

2. The use of real or personal property and the cost of invitations, food, or beverages, voluntarily provided by an individual to a candidate or political committee in rendering voluntary personal services on the individual’s residential or business premises for election-related activities.

3. The sale of any food or beverage by a vendor for use in an election campaign at a charge to a candidate or political committee less than the normal comparable charge, if the charge to the political committee for use in an election campaign is at least equal to the cost of the food or beverage to the vendor.

4. Any unreimbursed payment for travel expenses made by an individual who, on his or her own behalf, volunteers personal services to a candidate or political committee.

5. The payment by a state or local committee of a political party of the cost of preparation, display, or mailing or other distribution incurred by the committee with respect to a printed slate card or sample ballot, or other printed listing of two or more candidates for any public office for which an election is held in the state, except that this subparagraph shall not apply in the case of costs incurred by the committee with respect to a display of the listing made on broadcasting stations, or in newspapers, magazines, or other similar types of general public political advertising.

6. The value or cost of polling data and voter preference data and information if provided to a candidate or political committee, unless the information was compiled with the advance knowledge of and approval of the candidate or the political committee.

c. For purposes of reporting contributions as required by this chapter, the date of receipt of a contribution shall be the first date the recipient of the contribution is able to make use of the contribution. In the case of a contribution in the form of a check, the date of receipt is the earlier of either of the following:

1. Ten days from the date that the check came within the recipient’s control.

2. The date that the check was deposited into the recipient’s account.

(4) DESIGNATED FILING AGENT. An individual appointed and authorized as attorney in fact to electronically submit any report or other filing required by this chapter on behalf of a candidate, his or her principal campaign committee, or a political action committee.

(5) ELECTION. Unless otherwise specified, any general, special, primary, or runoff election, or any convention or caucus of a political party held to nominate a candidate, or any election at which a constitutional amendment or other proposition is submitted to the popular vote.

(6) ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION. Any communication disseminated through any federally regulated broadcast media, any mailing, or other distribution, electronic communication, phone bank, or publication which (i) contains the name or image of a candidate; (ii) is made within 120 days of an election in which the candidate will appear on the ballot; (iii) the only reasonable conclusion to be drawn from the presentation and content of the communication is that it is intended to influence the outcome of an election; and (iv) entails an expenditure in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000).

(7) EXPENDITURE.

a. The following shall be considered expenditures:

1. A purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit, or gift of money or anything of value made for the purpose of influencing the result of an election.

2. A contract or agreement to make any purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit, or gift of money or anything of value, for the purpose of influencing the result of an election.

3. The transfer, gift, or contribution of funds of a political committee to another political committee.

4. The payment of any qualifying fee or other cost associated with qualifying to run for office.

b. The term “expenditure” does not include:

1. Any news story, commentary, or editorial prepared by and distributed through the facilities of any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, or other periodical publication, unless the facilities are owned or controlled by any political party or political committee.

2. Nonpartisan activity designed to encourage individuals to register to vote, or to vote.

3. Any communication by any membership organization to its members or by a corporation to its stockholders and employees if the membership organization or corporation is not organized primarily for the purpose of influencing the result of an election.

4. The use of real or personal property and the cost of invitations, food, or beverages, voluntarily provided by an individual in rendering voluntary personal services on the individual’s residential or business premises for election-related activities.

5. Any unreimbursed payment for travel expenses made by an individual who, on his or her own behalf, volunteers personal services to a candidate or political committee.

6. Any communication by any person which is not made for the purposes of influencing the result of an election.

7. The payment by a state or local committee of a political party of the cost of preparation, display, or mailing or other distribution incurred by the committee with respect to a printed slate card or sample ballot, or other printed listing of two or more candidates for any public office for which an election is held in the state, except that this subparagraph shall not apply in the case of costs incurred by the committee with respect to a display of the listing made on broadcasting stations, or in newspapers, magazines, or other similar types of general public political advertising.

c. For purposes of reporting expenditures as required by this chapter, the date an expenditure is made is the date the instrument authorizes the expenditure. In the case of an expenditure made by check or electronic payment, the date of expenditure is the date of the check or electronic payment.

(8) IDENTIFICATION. The full name and complete address.

(9) LOAN. A transfer of money, property, or anything of value in consideration of a promise or obligation, conditional or not, to repay in whole or part.

(10) LOCAL OFFICE. Any office under the constitution and laws of the state, except circuit, district, or legislative offices, filled by election of the registered voters of a single county or municipality, or by the voters of a division contained within a county or municipality.

(11) PERSON. An individual, partnership, committee, association, corporation, labor organization, or any other organization or group of persons.

(12) PERSONAL AND LEGISLATIVE LIVING EXPENSES. Household supplies, personal clothing, tuition payments, mortgage, rent, or utility payments for a personal residence; admission to an entertainment event or fees for a country club or social club, unless tied to a specific campaign event or functions involving constituents; and any other expense, excluding food and beverages, that would exist irrespective of the candidate’s campaign or duties as a legislator. Personal and legislative living expenses shall not include expenses for food, beverages, travel, or communications incurred by the legislator in the performance of the office held.

(13) POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE. Any committee, club, association, political party, or other group of one or more persons, whether in-state or out-of-state, which receives or anticipates receiving contributions and makes or anticipates making expenditures to or on behalf of any Alabama state or local elected official, proposition, candidate, principal campaign committee or other political action committee. For the purposes of this chapter, a person who makes a political contribution shall not be considered a political action committee by virtue of making such contribution.

(14) POLITICAL PARTY. A political party as defined in Section 17-13-40.

(15) PRINCIPAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE. The principal campaign committee designated by a candidate under Section 17-5-4. A political action committee established primarily to benefit an individual candidate or an individual elected official shall be considered a principal campaign committee for purposes of this chapter.

(16) PROPOSITION. Any proposal for submission to the general public for its approval or rejection, including proposed as well as qualified ballot questions.

(17) PUBLIC OFFICIAL. Any person elected to public office, whether or not that person has taken office, by the vote of the people at the state, county, or municipal level of government or their instrumentalities, including governmental corporations, and any person appointed to a position at the state, county, or municipal level of government or their instrumentalities, including governmental corporations. For purposes of this chapter, a public official includes the chairs and vice chairs or the equivalent offices of each state political party as defined in Section 17-13-40.

(18) STATE. The State of Alabama.

(19) STATE OFFICE. All offices under the constitution and laws of the state filled by election of the registered voters of the state or of any circuit or district and shall include legislative offices.

(b) The words and terms used in this chapter shall have the same meanings respectively ascribed to them in Section 36-25-1.

 

Section 17-5-3

Political action committees; officers; accounting and reporting.

(a) Every political action committee shall have a chair and a treasurer.

(b) All funds of a political action committee shall be segregated from, and shall not be commingled with, any personal funds of officers, members, or associates of such committee.

(c) It shall be the duty of the treasurer of a political action committee to keep a detailed, exact account of:

(1) All contributions made to or for such committee.

(2) All expenditures made by or on behalf of such committee.

(3) The identification of every person to whom an expenditure is made, the date and amount thereof, and the name of each candidate on whose behalf such expenditure was made or a designation of the election proposition the result of which the political action committee will attempt to influence by making expenditures or receiving contributions.

(d) It shall be the duty of the treasurer to obtain and keep a receipted bill or cancelled check, stating the particulars for every expenditure made by or on behalf of a political action committee greater than one hundred dollars ($100), and for any such expenditure in a lesser amount, if the aggregate amount of such expenditures to the same person during a calendar year is greater than one hundred dollars ($100). Provided, however, the treasurer of a political action committee shall not be required under this chapter to report any expenditure not related to political contributions or expenditures or made as an administrative expense. The treasurer shall preserve all receipted bills and accounts required to be kept by this section for a period of two years from the date of any such expenditure.

 

Section 17-5-4 

Filing statement to show principal campaign committee; duties and procedures.

(a) Within five days after any person becomes a candidate for office, such person shall file with the Secretary of State or judge of probate, as provided in Section 17-5-9, a statement showing the name of not less than two nor more than five persons elected to serve as the principal campaign committee for such candidate, together with a written acceptance or consent by such committee, but any candidate may declare himself or herself as the person chosen to serve as the principal campaign committee, in which case such candidate shall perform the duties of chair and treasurer of such committee prescribed by this chapter.

(b) If any vacancies are created by death or resignation or any other cause, such candidate may fill such vacancy, or the remaining members shall discharge and complete the duties required of such committee as if such vacancy had not been created. The principal campaign committee, or its treasurer, shall have exclusive custody of all moneys contributed, donated, subscribed, or in any manner furnished to or for the candidate represented by such committee, and shall account for and disburse the same.

(c) If a candidate serves as his or her own principal campaign committee, he or she shall designate a person responsible for dissolving that principal campaign committee in the event of death or incapacity by filing a statement of dissolution and filing a termination report. If the designated person is unable to serve in this capacity at the time of death or incapacity, the principal campaign committee shall be dissolved by the candidate’s personal representative as appointed by the judge of probate. All funds held by the principal campaign committee at the time of death shall be disposed of in a manner provided in Section 17-5-7.

(d) No candidate shall expend any money in aid of his or her nomination or election except by contributing to the principal campaign committee designated by the candidate.

 

Section 17-5-5 

Statement of organization; notice of termination or dissolution.

(a) The treasurer or designated filing agent of each political action committee which anticipates either receiving contributions or making expenditures during the calendar year in an aggregate amount exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) shall file with the Secretary of State or the judge of probate as herein provided in Section 17-5-9, a statement of organization, within 10 days after its organization or, if later within 10 days after the date on which it has information which causes the committee to anticipate it will receive contributions or make expenditures in an aggregate amount in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000).

(b) The statement of organization shall include:

(1) The name and complete address of the committee.

(2) The identification of affiliated or connected organizations, if any.

(3) The purposes of the committee.

(4) The identification of the chair and treasurer.

(5) The identification of principal officers, including members of any finance committee.

(6) A description of the constitutional amendments or other propositions, if any, that the committee is supporting or opposing, and the identity, if known, of any candidate or elected official that the committee is supporting or opposing.

(7) A statement whether the committee is a continuing one, and if not, the expected termination or dissolution date.

(8) The disposition of residual funds which will be made in the event of dissolution.

(c) Whenever there is any material change in information previously submitted in a statement of organization, except for the information described in subdivision (6) above, the treasurer or designated filing agent of the political action committee shall report the change to the Secretary of State or judge of probate as provided in Section 17-5-9, within 10 days following the change.

(d) Any political action committee or any principal campaign committee after having filed its initial statement of organization shall continue in existence until terminated or dissolved as provided herein. When any political action committee determines it will no longer receive contributions or make expenditures during any calendar year in an aggregate amount exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or when any candidate through his or her principal campaign committee determines that he or she will not receive contributions or make expenditures in the amounts specified in Section 17-5-2, the treasurer, designated filing agent, or candidate of such political committee shall so notify the Secretary of State or judge of probate, as designated in Section 17-5-9, of the termination or dissolution of such political committee and shall file a termination report in the same format as that required by subsection (b) of Section 17-5-8. The Secretary of State shall have the authority to dissolve or terminate any political action committee that has maintained a zero balance for one calendar year after providing a 90-day notice of intent to do so by certified mail with return receipt.

 

Section 17-5-5.1

Regulation of legislative caucus organizations.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (d), each legislative caucus organization that raises funds for its administration and operation shall register with the Secretary of the Senate, for a Senate caucus, or the Clerk of the House of Representatives, for a House caucus, or both for a bicameral legislative caucus. Such registration shall be on a form jointly created by the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives and shall include the name and complete address of the organization, the identification of and contact information for the organization’s designated representative, and a general description of the organization.

(b) A legislative caucus organization duly registered pursuant to subsection (a) shall not contribute to or expend funds in support of candidates, principal campaign committees, propositions, or political action committees for the purpose of influencing the result of an election. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the donation of funds or other resources to a duly registered legislative caucus organization in support of the administration or operations of the caucus is permissible, provided that the donation is not made for the purpose of influencing the result of an election.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to exempt a legislative caucus organization or its officers, directors, or members from the Ethics Law.

(d) A legislative caucus organization that receives contributions or makes expenditures for the purpose of influencing the outcome of an election and is not registered as provided in subsection (a) shall be regulated as a political action committee under this chapter and shall comply with all the requirements of this chapter pertaining to political action committees.

 

Section 17-5-6

Checking account; expenditures.

A political action committee and a principal campaign committee shall maintain a checking account, money market account, or other similar banking account and shall deposit any contributions received by such committee into such account. No expenditure of funds may be made by any such committee except by check drawn on such account, electronic transfer from such account, a credit card the balance of which is paid from such account, or out of a petty cash fund from which it may make expenditures not in excess of one hundred dollars ($100) to any person in connection with a single purchase or transaction.

 

Section 17-5-7

 

Use of excess moneys received; solicitation, etc., of contributions.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (d) and in Section 17-5-7.1, a candidate, public official, or treasurer of a principal campaign committee as defined in this chapter, may only use campaign contributions, and any proceeds from investing the contributions that are in excess of any amount necessary to defray expenditures of the candidate, public official, or principal campaign committee, for the following purposes:

(1) Necessary and ordinary expenditures of the campaign.

(2) Expenditures that are reasonably related to performing the duties of the office held. For purposes of this section, expenditures that are reasonably related to performing the duties of the office held do not include personal and legislative living expenses, as defined in this chapter.

(3) Donations to the State General Fund, the Education Trust Fund, or equivalent county or municipal funds.

(4) Donations to an organization to which a federal income tax deduction is permitted under subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any other charitable, educational, or eleemosynary cause of Section 501 of Title 26 of the U. S. Code.

(5) Inaugural or transitional expenses.

(6) Donations to a legislative caucus organization registered under this chapter which does not operate as a political action committee.

(7) Legal fees and costs associated with any civil action, criminal prosecution, or investigation related to conduct reasonably related to performing the duties of the office held.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including, but not limited to, Section 13A-10-61, a candidate, public official, or principal campaign committee may only accept, solicit, or receive contributions:

(1) To influence the outcome of an election.

(2) For a period of 12 months before an election in which the person intends to be a candidate. Provided, however, candidates for legislative and statewide office and their principal campaign committees may not accept, solicit, or receive contributions during the period when the Legislature is convened in session. For purposes of this section, the Legislature is convened in session at any time from the opening day of the special or regular session and continued through the day of adjournment sine die for that session. However, this subdivision shall not apply within 120 days of any primary, runoff, or general election, and shall not apply to the candidates or their principal campaign committees participating in any special election as called by the Governor. This subdivision shall not apply to a loan from a candidate to his or her own principal campaign committee.

(3) For a period of 120 days after the election in which the person was a candidate, but only to the extent of any campaign debt of the candidate or principal campaign committee of the candidate as indicated on the campaign financial disclosure form or to the extent of reaching the threshold that is required for qualification as a candidate for the office which he or she currently holds, or both.

(4) For the purpose of paying all expenses associated with an election challenge including, but not limited to, quo warranto challenges.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including, but not limited to, Section 13A-10-61, a candidate, public official, or principal campaign committee shall not accept, solicit, or receive contributions for any of the following reasons:

(1) As a bribe, as defined by Sections 13A-10-60 to 13A-10-63, inclusive.

(2) For the intention of corruptly influencing the official actions of the public official or candidate for public office.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a principal campaign committee, during a two-year period commencing on the day after each regularly scheduled general election and ending on the day of the next regularly scheduled general election, may pay qualifying fees to a political party and in addition thereto, during that period, may expend up to a cumulative total of five thousand dollars ($5,000) of campaign contributions, and any proceeds from investing the contributions, for the following purposes:

(1) Tickets for political party dinners or functions.

(2) State or local political party dues or similar expenses incurred by independent or write-in candidates.

Section 17-5-7.1

Return or refund of contributions.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a principal campaign committee or political action committee may return or refund, in full or in part, any lawful contribution it receives to the donor, provided that such return or refund may not exceed the amount received. Any lawful contribution refunded to the donor must have been reported in an itemized manner and the refund shall be itemized in the report for the period in which the refund is made. In the case of a political action committee, the refund shall occur within 18 months of the date of the contribution; provided, however, that if the refund of the contribution is required by law or regulation, then the 18-month time limitation shall not apply.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a principal campaign committee or political action committee shall promptly return or refund, in full, any unlawful contribution. It shall be unlawful for any person acting on behalf of a principal campaign committee or political action committee to retain or cause to be retained a contribution that the person knows or reasonably should know was made in violation of this chapter. It is a defense to prosecution that the unlawful contribution was returned or refunded in full within 10 days of the date the contribution was made.

 

Section 17-5-7.2

Disposal of campaign property.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), property purchased by or contributed to a principal campaign committee with a value of five hundred dollars ($500) or more shall be liquidated at fair market value or donated to a qualified entity pursuant to subsection (a) of Section 17-5-7 not more than 120 days following the election. Any funds generated by the liquidation of the property shall be deposited in the candidate’s principal campaign committee account.

(b) Property purchased by or contributed to a principal campaign committee that can be used by the person in the performance of his or her duties of the office he or she was elected to hold need not be liquidated as long as he or she holds office.

 

Section 17-5-8

Reports of contributions and expenditures by candidates, committees, and officials; filing; procedure.

(a) The treasurer, designated filing agent, or candidate, shall file with the Secretary of State or judge of probate, as designated in Section 17-5-9, periodic reports of contributions and expenditures at the following times once a principal campaign committee files its statement under Section 17-5-4 or a political action committee files its statement of organization under Section 17-5-5:

(1) Beginning after the 2012 election cycle, regardless of whether a candidate has opposition in any election, monthly reports not later than the second business day of the subsequent month, beginning 12 months before the date of any primary, special, runoff, or general election for which a political action committee or principal campaign committee receives contributions or makes expenditures with a view toward influencing such election’s result. A monthly report shall include all reportable transactions for the previous full month period. Reports shall be required as provided in subdivisions (2) and (3).

(2) With regard to a primary, special, runoff, or general election, a report shall be required weekly on the Monday of the succeeding week for each of the four weeks before the election that includes all reportable activities for the previous week.

(3)

a. In addition to the reporting dates specified in subdivisions (1) and (2), reports required to be filed with the Secretary of State shall be filed with the Secretary of State on the eighth, seventh, sixth, fifth, fourth, third, and second day preceding a legislative, state school board, or other statewide primary, special, runoff, or general election, and by 12:01 p.m. on the day preceding a legislative, state school board, or statewide, primary, special, runoff, or general election if any principal campaign committee or political action committee receives or spends in the aggregate five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more on that day with a view toward influencing an election’s results. If a daily report is required pursuant to this subdivision, the report shall include all reportable activity occurring on the day of the report as well as all reportable activity that has occurred on each day since the most recent prior report. Principal campaign committees and political action committees that are exempt from electronic filing and principal campaign committees and political action committees required to make daily reports pursuant to this subdivision for the 2012 election cycle may file reports by facsimile (FAX) transmission provided they keep proper documentation in their office.

b. Electronic filing on the Secretary of State’s website may be implemented sooner than the 2014 election cycle as an alternative method of reporting; however, electronic filing shall be required beginning with the 2014 election cycle. Electronic filings shall be available to the public on a searchable database maintained on the Secretary of State’s website.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (k), each principal campaign committee, political action committee, and elected state and local official covered under the provisions of this chapter who has not closed his or her principal campaign committee, shall annually file with the Secretary of State or judge of probate, as designated in Section 17-5-9, reports of contributions and expenditures made during that year. No annual report is required to be filed by a person who holds office because he or she was appointed to serve the remainder of a term vacated by another person, until the person serving has created a principal campaign committee. The annual reports required under this subsection shall be made on or before January 31 of the succeeding year.

(c) Each report under this section shall disclose:

(1) The amount of cash or other assets on hand at the beginning of the reporting period and forward until the end of that reporting period and disbursements made from same.

(2) The identification of each person who has made contributions to such committee or candidate within the calendar year in an aggregate amount greater than one hundred dollars ($100), together with the amount and date of all such contributions; provided, however, in the case of a political action committee identification shall mean the name and city of residence of each person who has made contributions within the calendar year in an aggregate amount greater than one hundred dollars ($100).

(3) The total amount of other contributions received during the calendar year but not reported under subdivision (c)(2) of this section.

(4) Each loan to or from any person within the calendar year in an aggregate amount greater than one hundred dollars ($100), together with the identification of the lender, the identification of the endorsers, or guarantors, if any, and the date and amount of such loans.

(5) The total amount of receipts from any other source during such calendar year.

(6) The grand total of all receipts by or for such committee during the calendar year.

(7) The identification of each person to whom expenditures have been made by or on behalf of such committee or elected official within the calendar year in an aggregate amount greater than one hundred dollars ($100), the amount, date, and purpose of each such expenditure, and, if applicable, the designation of each constitutional amendment or other proposition with respect to which an expenditure was made.

(8) The identification of each person to whom an expenditure for personal services, salaries, and reimbursed expenses greater than one hundred dollars ($100) has been made, and which is not otherwise reported or exempted from the provisions of this chapter, including the amount, date, and purpose of such expenditure.

(9) The grand total of all expenditures made by such committee or elected official during the calendar year.

(10) The amount and nature of debts and obligations owed by or to the committee or elected official, together with a statement as to the circumstances and conditions under which any such debt or obligation was extinguished and the consideration therefor.

(d) Each report required by this section shall be signed and filed by the elected official or on behalf of the political action committee by its chair or treasurer and, if filed on behalf of a principal campaign committee, by the candidate represented by such committee. There shall be attached to each such report an affidavit subscribed and sworn to by the official or chair or treasurer and, if filed by a principal campaign committee, the candidate represented by such committee, setting forth in substance that such report is to the best of his or her knowledge and belief in all respects true and complete, and, if made by a candidate, that he or she has not received any contributions or made any expenditures which are not set forth and covered by such report.

(e) Commencing with the 2014 election cycle, electronic filing of contributions and expenditures for any legislative, state school board, and statewide primary, special, runoff, or general election shall be mandatory, except as provided in subsection (g). The Secretary of State may provide electronic reporting sooner than the 2014 election cycle. Electronic filing shall satisfy any filing requirements of this chapter and no paper filing is required for any report filed electronically.

(f) In the 2012 election cycle the provisions for the time of filing contained in subsection (a) shall apply to the paper or facsimile (FAX) filings for any legislative, state school board, or statewide primary, special, runoff, or general election.

(g) Electronic filing of reports shall not apply to any campaign, principal campaign committee, or political action committee receiving five thousand dollars ($5,000) or less per election cycle.

(h) In connection with any electioneering communication paid for by a person, nonprofit corporation, entity, principal campaign committee, or other political committee or entity, the payor shall disclose its contributions and expenditures in accordance with this section. The disclosure shall be made in the same form and at the same time as is required of political action committees in this section; provided, however, no duplicate reporting shall be required by a political committee.

(i) Notwithstanding any disclosure requirements of subsection (h), churches are exempt from the requirements of this section unless the church’s expenditures are used to influence the outcome of an election. Nothing herein shall require a church to disclose the identities, donations, or contributions of members of the church. As used in this section, the term church is defined in accordance with and recognized by Internal Revenue Service guidelines and regulations.

(j) Notwithstanding the disclosure requirements of this section, the provisions of this section shall not be interpreted to nor shall they require any disclosure for expenses incurred for any electioneering communication used by any membership or trade organization to communicate with or inform its members, its members’ families, or its members’ employees or for any electioneering communication by a business entity of any type to its employees or stockholders or their families.

(k) Each report required by this section shall include all reportable transactions occurring since the most recent prior report; however, duplicate reporting is not required by this section. A political action committee or principal campaign committee that is required to file a daily report is not required to also file a weekly report for the week preceding an election specified in subdivision (3) of subsection (a); a committee required to file a weekly report is not required to also file a monthly report in the month in which the election is held; and a committee required to file a monthly report is not required to also file an annual report in the year in which the election is held. The monetary balance in a report of each committee shall begin at the monetary amount appearing in the most recent prior report.

(l) The Secretary of State may promulgate administrative rules pursuant to the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act as are necessary to implement and administer the changes made to this section by Act 2012-477.

 

Section 17-5-8.1

Electronic reporting; electronic searchable database; rules.

(a) Commencing with the 2014 election cycle, all statements, reports of contributions, and expenditures, and other filings required to be filed pursuant to this chapter, shall be submitted electronically over the Internet by a computer file containing the report information in a format and medium to be prescribed by the Secretary of State.

(b) Commencing with the 2014 election cycle, the Secretary of State shall implement and maintain an electronic database accessible by the public through the Secretary of State’s website which provides the capability of search and retrieval of all statements, reports, and other filings required to be filed with the Secretary of State pursuant to this chapter. The searchable database shall provide the ability to search by a recipient’s name, a contributor’s name, a contributor’s or recipient’s Zip Code, and dates of contributions.

(c) Unless otherwise included in a report made pursuant to subsection (a) of Section 17-5-8, the principal campaign committee or political action committee shall file a report disclosing the receipt of any single contribution of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) or more. These reports shall disclose the same information required by Section 17-5-8, and shall be filed within two business days of receipt of the contribution. Beginning with the 2014 election cycle these reports shall be filed electronically.

(d) Beginning with the 2012 election cycle, a principal campaign committee or political action committee shall close its books in order to complete its reports two days prior to the specified reporting dates.

(e) The Secretary of State may promulgate administrative rules pursuant to the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act as are necessary to implement and administer this section and Section 17-5-8.

 

Section 17-5-8.2

Legislative findings.

(a) The Legislature determines that there is a compelling state and public interest in the disclosure of the source of funds used to advertise or otherwise influence public opinion with regard to elections as defined in Section 17-5-2(3). The Legislature further finds that these compelling interests should be designed to protect the public’s right to know while protecting free speech of individuals as guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of Alabama of 1901.

(b) Currently, the Fair Campaign Practices Act, as provided in this chapter, commencing with Section 17-5-1, et seq., regulates the disclosure of contributions and expenditures made for the purpose of influencing the outcome of an election. This chapter is also intended to regulate the disclosure of contributions and expenditures for electioneering communications.

(c) The Legislature finds and declares that Alabama voters have a right to know who pays for the costs of electioneering communications.

 

Section 17-5-9

Filing procedure.

(a) All statements and reports, including amendments, required of principal campaign committees under the provisions of this chapter shall be filed with the Secretary of State in the case of candidates for state office or state elected officials, and in the case of candidates for local office or local elected officials, with the judge of probate of the county in which the office is sought for the 2016 election cycle.

(b) Political action committees, which seek to influence an election for local office or to influence a proposition regarding a single county, shall file all reports and statements, including amendments, with the judge of probate of the county affected. All other political action committees, except as provided in subsection (a) above, shall file reports and statements with the Secretary of State.

(c) In the case of candidates for a municipal office where the municipality is located in more than one county, the statements and reports shall be filed in the county where the city hall of the municipality is located. The judge of probate of the county where the report is filed, if the municipality is located in more than one county, shall provide a copy of the report to the judge of probate of the other county or counties where the municipality is located.

(d) For the 2014 and 2016 election cycles, all principal campaign committees and political action committees that file with the judge of probate, other than candidates for municipal office, may choose instead to file electronically with the Secretary of State pursuant to this chapter. Any such principal campaign committee or political action committee that chooses to file electronically with the Secretary of State shall first provide notice to the appropriate judge of probate, in a manner prescribed by the judge of probate, indicating that choice and shall continue to file electronically with the Secretary of State until terminated or dissolved pursuant to this chapter.

(e) Commencing with the 2018 election cycle, all principal campaign committees and political action committees that file with the judge of probate, other than candidates for municipal office, shall file electronically with the Secretary of State pursuant to this chapter.

 

Section 17-5-10

Public inspection of reports; date of receipt.

(a) Each report or statement shall be preserved and a copy made available for public inspection by the Secretary of State or judge of probate, whichever is applicable.

(b) The date of filing of a report or statement filed pursuant to this chapter shall be deemed to be the date of receipt by the Secretary of State or judge of probate, as the case may be; provided, that any report or statement filed by certified or registered mail shall be deemed to be filed in a timely fashion if the date of the United States postmark stamped on such report or statement is the required filing date, and if such report or statement is properly addressed with postage prepaid.

 

Section 17-5-11

Duties of Secretary of State and judge of probate.

The Secretary of State and the judge of probate shall have the following duties:

(1) To accept and file all reports and statements, including amendments, required by the provisions of this chapter to be filed with them and to accept any information voluntarily supplied that exceeds the requirements of this chapter.

(2) To make each statement and report filed by any principal campaign committee or political action committee or elected official available for public inspection and copying during regular office hours, any such copying to be at the expense of the person requesting copies; except that any information copied from such reports or statements may not be sold or used by any political party, principal campaign committee, or political action committee for the purposes of soliciting contributions or for commercial purposes, without the express written permission of the candidate or the committee reporting such information.

(3) To furnish any forms to be used in complying with the provisions of this chapter. The expenses incurred by the Secretary of State in furnishing forms, accepting statements and reports, filing statements and reports, and making such statements and reports available to the public shall be paid from moneys designated to the distribution of public documents.

 

Section 17-5-12

Identification of paid advertisements.

(a) Any paid political advertisement or electioneering communication appearing in any print media or broadcast on any electronic media shall clearly and distinctly identify the entity responsible for paying for the advertisement or electioneering communication. It shall be unlawful for any person, nonprofit corporation, entity, candidate, principal campaign committee, or other political action committee to broadcast, publish, or circulate any campaign literature, political advertisement, or electioneering communication without a notice appearing on the printed matter with a clear and unmistakable identification of the entity responsible for directly paying for the advertisement or electioneering communication, or on the broadcast at the beginning, during, or end of a radio or television spot, stating that the communication was a paid advertisement, clearly identifying the entity directly responsible for paying for the advertisement or electioneering communication, and giving the identification of the person, nonprofit corporation, entity, principal campaign committee, or other political action committee or entity that paid for such communication.

(b) This section does not apply to any political advertisement or electioneering communication used by a candidate and the candidate’s supporters or by a political committee if the message or advertisement is:

(1) Designed to be worn by a person.

(2) Placed as a paid link on an Internet website, provided the message or advertisement is no more than 200 characters in length and the link directs the user to another Internet website that complies with subsection (a).

(3) Placed as a graphic or picture link where compliance with the requirements of this section is not reasonably practical due to the size of the graphic or picture link and the link directs the user to another Internet website that complies with subsection (a).

(4) Placed at no cost on an Internet website for which there is no cost to post content for public users.

(5) Placed or distributed on an unpaid profile account which is available to the public without charge or on a social networking Internet website, as long as the source of the message or advertisement is patently clear from the content or format of the message or advertisement. A candidate or political committee may prominently display a statement indicating that the website or account is an official website or account of the candidate or political committee and is approved by the candidate or political committee. A website or account may not be marked as official without prior approval by the candidate or political committee.

(6) Distributed as a text message or other message via Short Message Service, provided the message is no more than 200 characters in length or requires the recipient to sign up or opt in to receive it.

(7) Connected with or included in any software application or accompanying function, provided that the user signs up, opts in, downloads, or otherwise accesses the application from or through a website that complies with subsection (a).

(8) Sent by a third-party user from or through a campaign or committee’s website, provided the website complies with subsection (a).

(9) Contained in or distributed through any other technology related item, service, or device for which compliance with subsection (a) is not reasonably practical due to the size or nature of such item, service, or device as available, or the means of displaying the message or advertisement makes compliance with subsection (a) impracticable.

 

Section 17-5-13

Cards, pamphlets, circulars, etc., to bear name of candidate, committee, etc.

It shall be unlawful for any person, candidate, principal campaign committee, or political action committee to publish or distribute or display, or cause to be published or distributed or displayed, any card, pamphlet, circular, poster, or other printed material relating to or concerning any election, which does not contain the identification required by Section 17-5-2(a)(5) of the person, candidate, principal campaign committee, or political action committee responsible for the publication or distribution or display of the same.

 

Section 17-5-14

Corporate contributions or expenditures to political action committees; establishment by corporation; actions by utilities.

(a) A corporation incorporated or organized under the laws of this state, or doing business in this state, may make a contribution or expenditure to or on behalf of any candidate or political action committee in the same manner that an individual is permitted to make under the laws of this state, except as otherwise expressly prohibited by subsection (c).

(b) Any corporation may establish a political action committee, subject to the provisions of this section. Any corporation or any officer, employee, or agent acting on behalf of such corporation, is also permitted to give, pay, expend, or contribute money, services, or anything of value for the purposes of establishing, administering, or soliciting voluntary contributions to a separate, segregated fund to be utilized for political purposes as permitted by Section 17-5-14.1.

(c) A utility regulated by the public service commission may not make a contribution to any candidate for the public service commission, but shall otherwise be entitled to take any action permitted corporations under this section.

 

Section 17-5-14.1

Establishment of segregated, separate political funds; voluntary contributions; filing of disclosure reports; violations.

(a) Any business or nonprofit corporation, incorporated under the laws of or doing business in this state, or any officer or agent acting on behalf of the corporation may give, pay, expend, or contribute money, services, anything of value for the purposes of establishing, administering, or soliciting voluntary contributions to a separate, segregated fund which can be utilized for political purposes (i) to aid or promote the nomination or election of any person, including an incumbent political officeholder or any other person who is or becomes a candidate for political office; or (ii) to aid or promote the interest or success, or defeat of any political party or political proposition. Any separate, segregated fund established hereunder for any of the above enumerated purposes shall be established and administered pursuant to the following requirements and prohibitions:

(1) Any such business or nonprofit corporation, or any officer or agent acting on behalf of such business or nonprofit corporation, may solicit voluntary contributions to the fund only from the corporation’s, or its affiliates’, stockholders and their families and its employees and their families; or in the case of a nonprofit corporation, its members and their employees. However, the funds may accept voluntary contributions from any individuals.

(2) The custodians of any separate, segregated political fund established hereunder shall file with the Secretary of State such financial disclosure reports or statements now required of a candidate for public office. Filing with the Secretary of State a copy of the information required to be filed with the Federal Election Commission by such separate, segregated fund shall constitute compliance with the reporting provisions of this section.

(b) It shall be unlawful:

(1) For any separate, segregated political fund established pursuant to this section or for any person acting on behalf of the fund to solicit or secure any money or anything of value by physical force, job discrimination, or financial reprisals, or by threats thereof; by dues, fees, or other moneys required as a condition of employment; or by moneys obtained in any commercial transaction;

(2) For any person soliciting contributions to the fund to fail to inform any person being solicited of the political purposes of the fund at the time of the solicitation;

(3) For any person soliciting for a contribution to the fund to fail to inform the person being solicited, at the time of the solicitation, of his or her right to refuse to contribute without any reprisal; and

(4) For any corporation regulated by the Public Service Commission to pass on to its customers any contribution made for the purpose of establishing, administering, or soliciting voluntary contributions to a separate, segregated fund to be utilized for political purposes.

 

Section 17-5-15

Contributions by one person in name of another; contributions between political action committees, etc.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person, acting for himself or herself or on behalf of any entity, to make a contribution in the name of another person or entity, or knowingly permit his or her name, or the entity’s name, to be used to effect such a contribution made by one person or entity in the name of another person or entity, or for any candidate, principal campaign committee, or political action committee to knowingly accept a contribution made by one person or entity in the name of another person or entity; provided, however, that nothing in this chapter prohibits any person from soliciting and receiving contributions from other persons for the purpose of making expenditures to a candidate, political campaign committee, political action committee, or elected state or local official required to file reports pursuant to Section 17-5-8.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any political action committee or tax exempt political organization under 26 U.S.C. § 527, including a principal campaign committee, or any person authorized to make an expenditure on behalf of such political action committee or 527 organization, to make a contribution, expenditure, or any other transfer of funds to any other political action committee or 527 organization. It shall be unlawful for any principal campaign committee or any person authorized to make an expenditure on behalf of such principal campaign committee to make a contribution, expenditure, or other transfer of funds to any other principal campaign committee, except where the contribution, expenditure, or any other transfer of funds is made from a principal campaign committee to another principal campaign committee on behalf of the same person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a political action committee that is not a principal campaign committee may make contributions, expenditures, or other transfers of funds to a principal campaign committee; and a separate segregated fund established by a corporation under federal law, if the fund does not receive any contributions from within this state other than contributions from its employees and directors, is not restricted by this subsection in the amount it may transfer to a political action committee established under the provisions of Section 17-5-14.1 by the same or an affiliated corporation.

 

Section 17-5-15.1

Limitation on receipt and spending of funds by principal campaign committee of a state or local candidate.

(a) A principal campaign committee of a state or local candidate and any person authorized to make an expenditure on its behalf may not receive or spend, in a campaign for state or local office, campaign funds in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000) that were raised by a principal campaign committee of a federal candidate.

(b) Any person who intentionally receives or expends campaign funds in violation of subsection (a) shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C felony.

 

Section 17-5-16

Fraudulent misrepresentation as acting for candidate, etc., prohibited; automated or pre-recorded communications.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person fraudulently to misrepresent himself or herself, or any other person or organization with which he or she is affiliated, as speaking or writing or otherwise acting for or on behalf of any candidate, principal campaign committee, political action committee, or political party, or agent or employee thereof, in a manner which is damaging or is intended to be damaging to such other candidate, principal campaign committee, political action committee, or political party.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any automated or pre-recorded communication initiated, conducted, or transmitted through an automated telephone dialing service to be conducted without providing clear notice at the ending of the phone call that the communication was a paid political advertisement and clearly identifying the person, nonprofit corporation, entity, principal campaign committee, or political action committee that paid for such communication.

(c) It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to knowingly misrepresent, in any automated or pre-recorded communication that is a political advertisement and that is initiated via an automated telephone dialing service, the identification of the person, nonprofit corporation, entity, principal campaign committee, or political action committee that paid for such communication.

(d) The Attorney General of the State of Alabama shall have full power to investigate and enforce violations of this section and any owner, employer, agent, or representative of any automated dialing service found to be in violation of this section shall be guilty upon conviction of a Class A misdemeanor as provided in Section 17-5-19.

 

Section 17-5-17

Solicitation by force, job discrimination, threats, etc., prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person, principal campaign committee, or political action committee established pursuant to this chapter or for any person acting on behalf of such person or committee, to solicit or secure any money or anything of value by physical force, job discrimination or financial reprisals, or by threats thereof or by the imposition of dues, fees, or other moneys required as a condition of employment.

 

Section 17-5-19

Violations.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who intentionally violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class A misdemeanor.

(b) A person who intentionally violates any reporting requirement of Sections 17-5-4, 17-5-5, or 17-5-8 shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class A misdemeanor. A person’s failure to promptly file a required report upon discovering or receiving notice from any person that the report has not been filed, or the failure to promptly correct an omission, error, or other discrepancy in a filed report upon discovering or receiving notice of the discrepancy, shall create a rebuttable presumption of intent to violate the applicable reporting requirement.

(c) Any person who intentionally violates Section 17-5-7 shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class B felony.

(d) The Attorney General or district attorney for the appropriate jurisdiction may prosecute violations of this chapter. Venue for cases involving violations of this chapter shall be in the county in which the violation occurred or the county in which the alleged violator resides or is incorporated. If the alleged violator resides or is incorporated outside of the State of Alabama or if the violation or violations occurred outside the State of Alabama, venue shall be in Montgomery County.

(e) No prosecution for violation of this chapter shall be commenced later than two years after the date of violation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a prosecution brought pursuant to Section 17-5-7 shall be commenced within four years after the commission of the offense.

 

Section 17-5-19.1

Civil penalties.

(a) Commencing with the 2018 election cycle, the appropriate election official, based on the location of filing as required by Section 17-5-9, shall levy an administrative penalty against any person who fails to timely file a report required by this chapter and who does not remedy the filing of the report pursuant to subsection (h). The State Ethics Commission shall have the authority to levy an administrative penalty against any person who files a materially inaccurate report required by this chapter and who does not remedy the filing of the report pursuant to subsection (g).

(b) The schedule of civil penalties shall be as follows:

(1) The lesser of three hundred dollars ($300) or 10 percent of the amount of contributions or expenditures not properly reported for a first offense in an election cycle.

(2) The lesser of six hundred dollars ($600) or 15 percent of the amount of contributions or expenditures not properly reported for a second offense in an election cycle.

(3) The lesser of one thousand two hundred dollars ($1,200) or 20 percent of the amount of contributions or expenditures not properly reported for a third or subsequent offense in an election cycle.

(c) A fourth failure to timely or accurately file a report in an election cycle shall create a rebuttable presumption of intent to violate the reporting requirements of this chapter. The Secretary of State or judge of probate, as appropriate based on the location of filing, shall notify the Attorney General and the appropriate district attorney of all persons who violate the filing requirements four or more times in an election cycle.

(d) Upon imposition of a civil penalty pursuant to this section, the appropriate filing official shall send the person upon whom the penalty is being imposed proper notification by certified mail of the imposition of the penalty. If an electronic mail address is on file with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State shall also provide such notification by electronic mail.

(e) Civil penalties levied shall be paid to the appropriate filing official within 45 days of the finality of any review. The Secretary of State or judge of probate, through his or her attorney, may institute proceedings to recover any penalties ordered pursuant to this section that are not paid by, or on behalf of, the person against whom they are levied and may collect necessary fees and costs associated with the collection action.

(f) All penalties collected by a judge of probate shall be distributed to that county’s general fund, and all penalties collected by the Secretary of State shall be distributed to the State General Fund.

(g) A person who voluntarily files an amended report to correct an error in an otherwise timely filed report without being prompted by a filing official shall not have committed an offense or be subjected to a civil penalty under this section, so long as, in the case of a candidate, the corrected report is filed prior to the election at issue, and so long as, in the case of a political action committee, the corrected report is filed prior to the close of the calendar year.

(h) Failure to file a timely report shall not be considered an offense or subjected to a civil penalty pursuant to subsection (a) so long as it is the first failure by that candidate or political action committee for the election cycle and the report is filed within 48 hours of the time it was due.

(i) Any penalties assessed pursuant to this section may be paid with campaign funds.

 

Section 17-5-19.2

Administrative review.

(a) Any person upon whom a civil penalty has been imposed pursuant to Section 17-5-19.1 may seek a review of such penalty by filing a written notice with the Secretary of Sate or judge of probate no later than 14 days after the date on which notification of the imposition of the penalty was mailed to the person’s last known address in accordance with Section 17-5-19.1. The Secretary of State or judge of probate shall refer such review to the State Ethics Commission.

(b) The commission may set aside or reduce a civil penalty upon a showing of good cause. The person seeking review shall bear the burden of proof.

 

Section 17-5-20

Appointment of designated filing agents; submission of reports.

(a) A candidate, or in the case of a political action committee, the chair or treasurer, may appoint a designated filing agent on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State. Upon receiving a notice of appointment of designated filing agent, the Secretary of State, as soon as practicable, shall take the necessary steps to enable the designated filing agent to electronically submit any report or other filing required by this chapter on behalf of his or her principal.

(b) The submission of a timely, complete, and correct report or other filing required by this chapter by a designated filing agent shall satisfy the filing or reporting requirement of the designated filing agent’s principal; however, the appointment of a designated filing agent does not itself absolve any person having a duty to submit any report or other filing under this chapter of liability for failure to timely submit such filing, for filing a false, incomplete, or inaccurate report, or for any other violation under this chapter.

(c) The submission of a report or other filing required by this chapter by a designated filing agent creates a rebuttable presumption that the submission was approved and intended by the candidate, his or her principal campaign committee, or the political action committee or treasurer thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is a defense to prosecution that the designated filing agent acted beyond the scope of his or her authority.

 

Section 17-5-21

Administrative rules.

The Secretary of State is authorized to promulgate administrative rules pursuant to the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act as necessary to implement and administer the Alabama Fair Campaign Practices Act.

 

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Title 17 – Chapter 6

Chapter 6 – ELECTION PREPARATION
Article 1 Precincts.

 

Section 17-6-1

Purpose.

It is the purpose of this chapter to provide for participation by the State of Alabama in programs of the Bureau of the Census of the United States Department of Commerce which provide for furnishing census information to the states for purposes of reapportionment, pursuant to federal laws for that purpose. It is further the purpose of this chapter to reduce voter confusion and facilitate the election process in Alabama.

 

Section 17-6-2

Establishment of precincts; boundaries; precinct map; reapportionment coordination.

(a) The governing body of each county shall establish precincts, define the territorial limits for which each precinct is established, prescribe their boundaries using the most recent federal decennial census tract and block map, and designate the precincts. The governing body of each county shall, by resolution, adopt the establishment and boundaries of each precinct in accordance with the timetable as set forth herein.

(b) Each precinct shall be a contiguous, compact area having clearly defined and clearly observable boundaries coinciding with visible features readily distinguishable on the ground such as designated highways, roads, streets, or rivers or be coterminous with a county boundary.

(c) Each county governing body shall provide and maintain at all times a suitable map showing the current geographical boundaries with designation of precincts and a legal description of the geographical boundaries of each precinct. Each county governing body shall send a copy of each map, with description attached, to the county board of registrars, the judge of probate, and the Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment. All features, names, titles, and symbols on the map shall be clearly shown and legible. Each map sheet shall indicate the date of the base map or the date of last revision.

(d)

(1) In complying with the provisions of this section for the establishment of precincts and the prescription of their boundaries, each county governing body and the board of registrars shall coordinate with the Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment or their designees, pursuant to their authority to submit a plan for census data for reapportionment under the provisions of Section 199 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, and shall adopt or adjust precinct boundaries as may be necessary to comply with this section.

(2) Each county governing body shall by resolution adopt a proposal for the establishment or adjustment of precinct boundaries, in compliance with this section. Any establishment of a precinct or adjustment of a precinct boundary that complies with this section shall be effective for the purpose of establishing block boundaries for the federal decennial census and for all other election purposes.

 

Section 17-6-3

Voting districts; naming of precincts.

(a) Except as may be provided further by local election laws or by the electronic vote counting statutes, the counties in this state, as divided pursuant to this chapter into election precincts, and the boundaries of such precincts shall so remain until changed by order of the county governing body, but the county governing body, at its first regular meeting in March in each even-numbered year, shall subdivide any election precinct in which there are more than 2,400 qualified voters and electronic voting machines are used into voting districts or shall divide alphabetically the list of qualified voters in such precincts into groups and assign each qualified voter a designated voting place so as to provide an electronic voting machine for every person legally entitled to vote at a polling place at which not more than 2,400 votes on a single electronic voting machine will be cast.

(b) Except as may be provided further by local election laws, the county governing body, at its first regular meeting in March in each even-numbered year, shall in their respective counties examine the state voter registration list, and if it shall appear from such examination and from other available sources of information that it is anticipated in any election precinct as constituted pursuant to this chapter in which electronic voting machines are used that more than 2,400 qualified votes will be cast by electronic voting machines, they shall immediately provide additional electronic voting machines at established polling places in such precinct and shall authorize the judge of probate to separate the list of qualified registered voters in the precinct, as shown by the state voter registration list as reported for the county, into groups in alphabetical order so that no group in a precinct where electronic voting machines are used shall cause a single electronic voting machine to record more than 2,400 votes.

(c) If the manufacturers’ recommended maximum number of ballots is less than 2,400, then that recommended number shall be used to determine the number of electronic voting machines.

(d) Whenever any election precinct has been subdivided into voting districts, pursuant to subsection (a) or (b), the county governing body making the subdivision shall immediately cause a description of the boundaries of the voting districts to be filed in the office of the judge of probate and with the board of registrars and shall post a copy thereof at the county courthouse.

(e) The precincts shall be named and designated by the county governing body numerically or alphabetically or by a combination thereof in a manner that shall be uniform statewide as determined by the Association of County Commissions and approved by the Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment.

 

Section 17-6-4

Designating and equipping voting places; county voting centers.

(a) Except as may be provided further by local election laws or by the electronic vote counting statutes, the county governing bodies shall designate the places of holding elections in the precincts established hereunder, and, whenever the county has alphabetically divided the list of registered qualified voters of a precinct into groups, it shall designate not only the voting place but also the number of electronic voting machines at each voting place in the precinct, being sure that it designates an electronic voting machine for each group of qualified voters. The county governing body is specifically authorized to provide for installing as many electronic voting machines as are needed in each precinct, and the electronic voting machines may be installed at one designated voting place or there may be more than one voting place designated and such number of electronic voting machines installed at each place as needed to provide for the voters authorized to vote at each place. The county governing body shall file with the judge of probate of the county and with the board of registrars along with a copy of its order fixing the boundaries of a precinct, the names of places designated for voting, indicating in those precincts in which the voters have been alphabetically divided into groups the voting places and electronic voting machines at which each alphabetical group shall vote and shall also post the list of voting places at the county courthouse.

(b) The judge of probate, within five days after the county governing body of any county files with him or her the boundaries of the election precincts and the names of the voting places therein, shall give notice of the same by publishing the same in some newspaper of general circulation published in the county and shall have the same posted by the sheriff at the courthouse and at two public places in the election district of the precinct. The notice shall describe the election precincts by their numbers and shall specify the place therein where elections are to be held.

(c) Where election precincts have been subdivided into voting districts hereunder, no voter in any election held thereafter shall vote at any place other than the voting district in which the voter at the time is registered as a qualified elector. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any county, by local law, may establish voting centers by combining voters from two or more precincts in order to create a voting center in order to facilitate, or reduce costs, for elections.

(d) Except as may be provided further by local election laws or by the electronic vote counting statutes, whenever places of voting are once designated and established as required by this chapter, the voting places for precincts shall not be changed within three months before an election is to be held. When the boundaries of election precincts are changed, the county governing body shall forthwith designate and establish at least one voting place for every 2,400 voters in each election precinct so created. Places of voting shall be the same for all elections, whether primary, general, or special, or federal, state, district, or county.

(e) The courthouse is the place of holding elections in the precinct in which it is situated unless another place for that purpose is designated by the county governing body. Elections must be held at such places in the other precincts as may be designated hereafter by the county governing body.

 

Section 17-6-5

List of voters for each voting place.

The judge of probate shall prepare a separate, correct alphabetical list of all the names of qualified electors or voters for each voting place from the state voter registration list, pursuant to Sections 17-4-1 and 17-4-2, for all elections hereafter held in this state, whether primary, general, or special, or federal, state, district, or county, and, except for municipal elections, shall certify separately for each voting place, to the election officials appointed for holding the election, which election official shall be an elector qualified to vote only in the box at the place for which he or she is chosen to serve, a list containing only the names of the voters or qualified electors entitled to vote at the voting place. Nothing in this section shall prevent a series of lists of names of voters or electors of other voting places from being certified by the judge of probate on the same general list for information. A vote cast at a place other than the voting place at which the voter is entitled to vote shall be illegal.

 

Section 17-6-6

Adjustment of precinct configuration, boundaries, etc.

(a) The county governing body shall have sole authority to change the configuration, boundaries, or designation of an election precinct. Any change so determined shall be adopted by resolution of the county governing body.

(b) A county governing body shall only change a precinct by dividing the precinct into two or more precincts except when in order to make it more convenient for voters to vote, or to facilitate the administration of the election process, or to accomplish reapportionment, it becomes necessary to consolidate all or part of a precinct with adjacent precincts, a part or parts may be consolidated.

(c) Except as may be provided further by local election laws or by the electronic vote counting statutes, whenever at any general or primary election it is anticipated over 2,400 votes will be cast on an electronic voting machine , the county governing body shall adjust the boundary lines of the election precincts or shall authorize the judge of probate to separate the list of qualified registered voters in such precinct into alphabetical groups so as to provide one electronic voting machine for every 2,400 votes or fraction thereof cast and may divide or consolidate any number of precincts and resubdivide the same in order that not more than 2,400 votes shall be cast on a single electronic voting machine and voters are authorized to vote at only one place.

(d) In changing any precinct boundary, the county governing body shall comply with the requirements of Section 17-6-2.

(e) Within 30 days after the adoption of any resolution as provided in this section, the county governing body shall send to the Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment a certified copy of the resolution and a copy of a map showing the new precinct boundaries together with a written description of such boundaries.

 

Section 17-6-7

Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment as liaison with Bureau of Census; assistance to counties.

(a) The Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment, or its designees, shall serve as the state liaison with the United States Bureau of the Census on all matters related to the tabulation of population and other census information for purposes of reapportionment. The Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment may submit to the bureau, on behalf of the state, a plan identifying the geographic areas for which specific tabulations of population or other census information are desired for reapportionment purposes, in accordance with criteria established by the United States Secretary of Commerce, and may supply such other information as may be required by the Census Bureau or the Secretary of Commerce in order to furnish the state such tabulations.

(b) The Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment shall furnish the county governing bodies and the county boards of registrars such information and assistance as is necessary in order to enable them to comply timely with the Census Bureau requirements.

 

Section 17-6-8

Cooperation with Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment.

All state and county agencies and officials shall cooperate with the Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment in carrying out the purposes of this chapter and shall cooperate with the Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment in the development of all information, maps, and other data as is needed to comply with requirements of the Census Bureau. Failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter shall be a Class B misdemeanor punishable as prescribed by law.

 

Section 17-6-9

Inapplicability to municipal elections.

The provisions of this article shall have no effect on the conduct of municipal elections of this state. It is further specifically provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed to require any municipality to establish single or multiple representation districts for the election of municipal officials in this state. It is further provided that all general or local provisions of law regarding the conduct of municipal elections are hereby expressly preserved.

 

Article 2 Ballots.

 

Section 17-6-20

Elections must be by official ballot.

In all elections held in this state on any subject which may be submitted by law to the vote of the people and for all or any state, county, district, or municipal officers, the voting shall be by official ballot prescribed by law; but this section shall not apply to elections held for trustees of public schools or other local elections which are otherwise specifically provided for.

 

Section 17-6-21

Contents; amendments; withdrawal of name.

(a) The official ballots shall contain the names of all candidates nominated by caucus, convention, mass meeting, primary election, or other assembly of any political party or faction, or by petition of electors and certified as provided in Section 17-9-3, but no person’s name shall be printed upon the ballots who, within the time period set forth in subsection (c), notifies the judge of probate in writing, acknowledged before an officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments, that he or she will not accept the nomination specified in the certificate of nomination or petition of electors. The name of each candidate shall appear but one time on the ballot and under only one emblem.

(b) A nomination for a candidate in a primary or general election shall be finalized by the respective state executive committees not later than 76 days before the primary or general election. Any amendment to a certification of a candidate by a state executive committee shall be filed with the judge of probate in the case of a county office, or the Secretary of State in the case of a state or federal office. Any amendment filed after the 76th day before a primary or a general election shall be accepted by the judge of probate or the Secretary of State but shall not be cause for reprinting of the ballots. The name of a candidate who is the subject of the amendment and who is disqualified by a political party or who has withdrawn as a candidate shall remain on the ballot, not be replaced by the name of another candidate, and the appropriate canvassing board shall not certify any votes for the candidate. Any amendment to a certification to correct the spelling of the name of a candidate that is filed after the 76th day before a primary or general election, or after the printing of absentee ballots for a primary runoff election has commenced, shall not be cause for reprinting of the ballots and shall not affect the counting or certification of any votes cast for the candidate.

(c) The notification deadline for persons who do not wish to accept nomination in a primary election is 76 days before the date of the election. A person who does not wish to accept nomination in a second primary election shall submit the notification set forth in subsection (a) before the printing of absentee ballots. The notification deadline for persons who do not wish to accept nomination in a general election is 76 days before the date of the election. In the event that a candidate submits a notification of withdrawal after the applicable deadline, the name of the candidate shall remain on the ballot and the appropriate canvassing board may not certify any votes for the candidate.

 

Section 17-6-21.1

(Final placement and text of 2020 legislation is subject to editorial action of the Code Commissioner) Candidate nomination and qualification for November 3, 2020, general election.

(a) This section shall only apply to the November 3, 2020, general election.

(b) For purposes of subsection (b) of Section 17-6-21, Code of Alabama 1975, a nomination for a candidate in the general election shall be finalized electronically by the respective state executive committees not later than 68 days, rather than 76 days, before the general election.

(c) For purposes of subsection (c) of Section 17-6-21, Code of Alabama 1975, the notification deadline for persons who do not wish to accept nomination in the general election is 68 days, rather than 76 days, before the date of the election.

(d) For purposes of subsection (b) of Section 17-9-3 and Section 17-13-22, Code of Alabama 1975, the Secretary of State shall certify electronically to the appropriate judges of probate the names of all candidates to be printed on the ballots in the counties, as applicable, for the general election not later than 66 days, rather than 74 days, before the general election.

(e) For purposes of subsection (b) of Section 17-14-31, Code of Alabama 1975, the certificates of nomination by a political party and nominating petitions must be filed in the office of the Secretary of State no later than the 75th day, rather than the 82nd day, preceding the day of the general election.

 

Section 17-6-22

Political parties not included on ballot unless requirements met.

(a) No political party, except those qualified as a political party under Chapter 13, shall be included on any general election ballot unless:

(1) The party shall have filed with the Secretary of State or other appropriate official on the date of the first primary election a list of the signatures of at least three percent of the qualified electors who cast ballots for the office of Governor in the last general election for the state, county, city, district, or other political subdivision in which the political party seeks to qualify candidates for office; and unless

(2) The party shall have fulfilled all other applicable requirements of federal, state, or local laws.

(b) The provisions of this section are supplemental to the provisions of Chapter 13, and other laws regarding the conduct of elections in Alabama, and shall repeal only those laws or parts of laws in direct conflict herewith.

 

Section 17-6-23

Uniform ballots at each polling place; electors for President and Vice President.

There shall be provided at each polling place at each election at which public officers are voted for, but one form of ballot for all the candidates for public office, and every ballot shall contain the names of all candidates whose nominations for any office specified on the ballot have been duly made and not withdrawn, as provided in this chapter, together with the title of the office, arranged in tickets under the titles of the respective political parties or independent bodies as certified in the certificates of nomination. When electors for the President and Vice President of the United States are to be elected, the names of the candidates for President and Vice President shall be listed on the ballot, but not the names of the electors.

 

Section 17-6-24

Printing and design.

(a) All ballots shall be in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and shall contain a party emblem for each political party represented on the ticket. The arrangement of the ballot shall in general conform substantially to the plan hereinafter given, and in all cases the party columns must be placed in alphabetical order, beginning on the left of the ballot. The list of candidates of the several parties shall be printed in parallel and perpendicular columns, each column to be headed by the chosen device of such party and the party name or other designation in such order as the Secretary of State may direct. The number of columns shall exceed by one the number of separate tickets of candidates to be voted for at the polling place for which the ballot is provided, and in the appropriate place the words vote for one (or two or other number, as the case may be) to indicate the number which may be elected to each office. On the right of each ballot shall be a column in which shall be printed only the titles of the office for which candidates may be voted for by the electors at the polling places for which the ballot is printed. The column is designated as “blank column,” and in such column the voting spaces shall be omitted, but in all other respects such blank column shall be a duplicate of the political party columns upon such ballot.

(b) The ballot style and design shall be in substantial conformity with rules promulgated by the Secretary of State under the Administrative Procedure Act.

 

Section 17-6-25

Order of listing of candidates on ballots.

The names of candidates for each office shall be listed on the ballot in alphabetical order by surname, and the offices shall be listed in the following order:

(1) President (if preference primary).

(2) Governor.

(3) Lieutenant Governor.

(4) United States Senator.

(5) United States Representative.

(6) Attorney General.

(7) State Senator.

(8) State Representative.

(9) Supreme Court Justice.

(10) Court of Civil Appeals Judge.

(11) Court of Criminal Appeals Judge.

(12) Secretary of State.

(13) State Treasurer.

(14) State Auditor.

(15) Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries.

(16) Public Service Commissioner.

(17) State Board of Education Member.

(18) Circuit Court Judge.

(19) District Attorney.

(20) District Court Judge.

(21) Circuit Clerk.

(22) Other public officers (to be listed in the order prescribed by the judge of probate).

(23) Delegate to national convention.

(24) Other party officers (to be listed in the order prescribed by the judge of probate).

 

Section 17-6-26

Order of arrangement; content requirements; secrecy envelopes or folders.

(a) Ballots, so far as practicable, shall be in the same order of arrangement as required by Section 17-6-24, except that they shall be of the size and design required by the precinct ballot counters and may be printed upon one or more separate pages or cards. Ballots for precinct ballot counters shall be manufactured with one detachable stub and numbered sequentially within each county with the sequence number printed on the stub but not on the ballot itself. There shall be printed on each absentee ballot and ballot for precinct ballot counters the ballot style number. This ballot style number shall represent the political race makeup of the ballot.

(b) In primary elections, constitutional amendments may be printed on party ballots, provided that sufficient ballots containing only the constitutional amendments are available for those voters who do not wish to sign the pledge for a party ballot.

(c) Secrecy envelopes or folders shall be provided in sufficient quantity for use by voters in transporting their completed ballots from the voting stations to the precinct ballot counter.

 

Section 17-6-27

Write-in votes; listing of independent candidates; form of ballots.

The elector may write in the column under the title of the office the name of any person whose name is not printed upon the ballot for whom the elector may desire to vote. In case of nomination by independent bodies, the ballot shall be so arranged that at the right of the last column for party nomination the several tickets of the names of the independent candidates shall be printed in one or more columns according to the space required, having above each of the tickets the political or other names selected to designate such independent nominations. The ballot form shall be designated by rule promulgated by the Secretary of State under the Administrative Procedure Act.

 

Section 17-6-28

Requirements for write-in votes.

(a) Write-in votes shall be permitted only in non-municipal general elections and shall be counted as provided in this section based on one of the following:

(1) Upon a determination that the number of write-in votes for a specific office is greater than or equal to the difference in votes between the two candidates receiving the greatest number of votes for the specific office.

(2) Upon a written request satisfying the requirements in subsection (i).

(b) The ballot for a non-municipal general election must be constructed so that the voter can mark a write-in vote for each office in the same manner that votes are registered for regular candidates. In order to cast a valid write-in vote, the voter must (1) write the name on the ballot and (2) register the vote by a mark in the space designated for that office. A write-in vote that is not registered as provided above shall not be considered a valid write-in vote and shall not be included in determining the number of write-in votes cast for a specific office as required in this section. If a voter registers a vote for a name on the ballot and then writes in another name for the same office but fails to register the write-in vote, the ballot shall be treated as if no write-in vote had occurred and the regular vote shall be counted. If a properly registered write-in vote causes an over-vote, it shall be treated as any other over-vote and none of the votes for the over-voted office shall be counted. However, the remainder of the ballot shall be counted. When counting write-in votes, poll officials must check for over-votes if the electronic ballot counter does not perform the function.

(c) Upon the closing of the polls, all write-in votes, which may be in the form of a ballot or, if an electronic voting system is utilized in the polling place, a ballot image, results tape, or other media as prescribed by the Secretary of State by administrative rule, from each polling place in the county shall be returned to a central location in the county as determined by the judge of probate where the canvassing board shall determine the number of write-in votes cast for each office on the ballot, ballot image, results tape, or other media as prescribed by the Secretary of State by administrative rule. The chair of each local political party as defined in Section 17-13-40, any person whose name is on the ballot as an independent, and any announced or known write-in candidates shall be given a minimum of 24 hours notice of the time and place where the canvassing board will meet to determine the number of write-in votes cast for each office on the ballot, ballot image, results tape, or other media prescribed by the Secretary of State by administrative rule and shall be permitted to be present when the determination is made. The county, at its discretion, may appoint and compensate poll workers to assist the canvassing board in determining the number of write-in votes for each office. After the determination of the number of write-in votes cast for each office has been made, the canvassing board shall take the following actions:

(1) For federal and state offices on the ballot, prepare and transmit to the Secretary of State not later than 5:00 p.m. on the first Friday following the election a written report itemizing the number of write-in votes cast for each separate federal or state office on the ballot and the total votes cast for each of the candidates receiving the greatest number of votes for each federal or state office on the ballot in the county.

(2) For each specific county office on the ballot, determine whether the number of write-in votes cast is greater than or equal to the difference in votes between the candidates receiving the greatest number of votes for the specific county office.

(3) Post a notice stating the number of write-in votes cast in each office on the ballot and, for each specific county office on the ballot, stating whether the number of write-in votes cast for the office is greater than or equal to the difference in votes between the candidates receiving the greatest number of votes for the specific county office. The notice shall be posted on the door of the courthouse and any other place deemed appropriate by the canvassing board including, but not limited to, a county website.

(d) Upon determining the number of write-in votes as required in subsection (c), all ballots, ballot images, or results tapes with write-in votes shall be delivered to the sheriff who shall securely keep the ballots, ballot images, or results tapes in the same manner as provisional ballots are kept pursuant to subsection (d) of Section 17-10-2.

(e) Upon receipt of all county reports setting out the number of write-in votes for each federal or state office, the Secretary of State shall determine whether the number of write-in votes cast statewide for any specific federal or state office is greater than or equal to the difference in votes between the candidates receiving the greatest number of votes for that office. In the event the Secretary of State determines that the number of write-in votes cast statewide for any federal or state office is greater than or equal to the difference in votes between the candidates receiving the greatest number of votes for that office, not later than noon on the first Monday following the election, the Secretary of State shall notify each judge of probate from a county where write-in votes for that office were cast that the write-in votes for that office shall be counted and reported as provided in this section.

(f) When the number of write-in votes for any specific office is greater than or equal to the difference in votes between the candidates receiving the greatest number of votes for that office write-in votes shall be counted at the same time and in the same manner as provisional ballots are counted pursuant to subsection (f) of Section 17-10-2.

(g) Any qualified elector who disputes the determination regarding the counting of write-in votes cast for any particular office on the ballot made by either the canvassing board or the Secretary of State may file a written objection as follows, stating with specificity the grounds for objection:

(1) For objections to the determination made by a canvassing board for a specific county office, the objection shall be filed with the canvassing board prior to the date ballots are due to be counted pursuant to subsection (f).

(2) For objections to the determination made by the Secretary of State for a specific federal or state office, the objection shall be filed with the Secretary of State prior to the date ballots are due to be counted pursuant to subsection (f).

Any written objection filed pursuant to this subsection shall be reviewed by the canvassing board for objections filed under subdivision (1) or by the Secretary of State for objections filed under subdivision (2). If it is determined the objection has merit, write-in ballots cast in the office subject to the objection shall be counted pursuant to subsection (f).

(h) Any expenses incurred by a county for the counting of write-in votes shall be a reimbursable expense as provided in Chapter 16.

(i) In addition to the requirement to count write-in votes as provided in this section, any qualified elector who voted in an election may request that write-in votes for a specific county office on a ballot be counted provided the request is made in writing to the judge of probate in the county where the elector voted no later than 5:00 p.m. on the first Friday following the election and is accompanied by a bond or certified check in an amount sufficient to cover the cost of the count as determined by the judge of probate. Any qualified elector who voted in an election may request that write-in votes for a federal or state office on a ballot to be counted, provided the request is made in writing to the Secretary of State not later than 5:00 p.m. on the first Friday following the election and is accompanied by a bond or certified check in an amount sufficient to cover the cost of the count as determined by the Secretary of State. Any write-in vote count authorized under this subsection shall take place at the same time and in the same manner as provisional ballots are counted pursuant to subsection (f) of Section 17-10-2.

 

Section 17-6-29

Party emblem – Submission; approval.

Each political party, by its state party convention or state executive committee, shall adopt, prepare, and file with the Secretary of State, at least 60 days before each election for state officers, an original copy and a copy in a digital or other electronic format acceptable by the Secretary of State of an emblem to be printed at the top of the column of such ballot assigned to such party, as a distinctive and characteristic heading thereof; and such emblem shall not be more than one inch and a half square. No party shall adopt an emblem similar in appearance to an emblem already adopted by another political party or organization, and the Secretary of State, upon the presentation or offer of any emblem which in his or her opinion is so like any other emblem already filed as to be likely to mislead any voter, shall forthwith notify the committee or any officer thereof or any person sending or offering such emblem of such similarity or resemblance and shall require such party, organization, or committee to adopt, prepare, and file another emblem. The emblem, once adopted, prepared, and filed as required, shall continue the emblem of the party adopting it until it is changed by the same or like authority as prepared, adopted, and filed the original emblem, and the changed emblem, as prepared and adopted, if filed and accepted by the Secretary of State as in case of the original emblem.

 

Section 17-6-30

Party emblem – Certification to judge of probate.

The Secretary of State shall send a copy of the emblem adopted by each political party with a certification of the ballot to each judge of probate in the state of the adoption of the emblem by the political party filing it.

 

Section 17-6-31

Party emblem – Prohibited designs.

The coat of arms or seal of any state or the United States, or the national flag, or the likeness of any person, living or dead, or religious emblem or symbol of any secret or fraternal organization or society, or the symbol of any industrial organization or a representation of a coin or the currency of the United States shall not be used as an emblem.

 

Section 17-6-32

Party emblem – Use when party is divided.

When there is a division of any political party and each faction claims the party emblem, the judge of probate shall at once certify the fact to the chair of the state executive committee of that party, who shall within 10 days notify the judge of probate which ticket is entitled to the party emblem, and the judge of probate shall be governed by the decision of the chair, whereupon the other factions may file with the judge of probate an emblem to be used in that election only.

 

Section 17-6-33

Designation of different offices of same classification.

Whenever nominations for two or more offices of the same classification are to be made, or whenever candidates are to be elected to two or more offices of the same classification at the same primary, general, special, or municipal election, each office shall be separately designated by number on the official ballot as “Place No. 1,” “Place No. 2,” “Place No. 3” and so forth; and the candidates for each place shall be separately nominated or elected, as the case may be. Each candidate for nomination for such office shall designate in the announcement of his or her candidacy and in his or her request to have his or her name placed on the official primary ballot the number of the place for which he or she desires to become a candidate. The name of each qualified candidate shall be printed on the official ballot used at any such election beneath the title of the office and the number of the place for which he or she is seeking nomination or election. No person shall be a candidate for more than one such place; provided, that this provision shall not apply to counties having a population of 500,000 or more according to the last or any subsequent federal census, except as to judicial officers and members of Congress.

In the case of elections for district court judges, circuit court judges, and appellate court judges, the Administrative Office of Courts shall recommend ballot places to the Secretary of State no later than December 1st of the year prior to the election.

 

Section 17-6-34

Secret ballot.

Every voter in Alabama shall have the right to vote a secret ballot, and that ballot shall be kept secret and inviolate.

 

Section 17-6-35

Procedure to vote straight party ticket.

If the elector desires to vote a straight party ticket, that is, for each and every candidate for one party for whatever office nominated, he or she shall mark the name of the party at the head of the ticket in the manner determined by a rule adopted by the Secretary of State under the Administrative Procedure Act.

 

Section 17-6-36

Procedure to vote for one candidate not on party ticket.

When only one candidate is to be elected to any office and the elector desires to vote for a candidate not on the straight party ticket, the elector may mark the name of the candidate for whom he or she desires to vote on the ballot.

 

Section 17-6-37

Procedure to vote for two or more candidates on different party tickets.

When two or more candidates are to be elected to the same office and the elector desires to vote for candidates on different party tickets for such office, the elector may mark the names of the candidates for whom he or she desires to vote on the ballot.

 

Section 17-6-38

Procedure to vote split ticket.

If the elector desires to vote a split ticket, that is, for candidates of different parties, the elector may mark the voting space by the name of each candidate for whom the elector desires to vote on whatever ticket the candidate may be.

 

Section 17-6-39

Procedure when straight party ticket does not contain names of all candidates.

If the ballot marked for a straight party ticket does not contain the names of candidates for all offices for which the elector may vote, the elector may vote for candidates for such offices so omitted by marking the names of candidates for such offices on other tickets, or by writing the names, if they are not printed, upon the ballot in the blank column under the title of the office.

 

Section 17-6-40

Procedure to vote for person whose name not on ballot.

If the elector desires to vote for any person whose name does not appear upon the ballot, he or she can so vote by writing the name in the proper place on the blank column.

 

Section 17-6-41

Ballot for constitutional amendment.

Whenever a constitutional amendment is submitted to a vote of the qualified electors the substance or subject matter of each proposed amendment shall be so printed that the nature thereof shall be clearly indicated. Following each proposed amendment or other public measure on the ballot shall be printed the word “Yes” and immediately under that shall be printed the word “No.” The choice of the electors shall be indicated by a mark made by the elector or under the elector’s direction opposite the words expressing the elector’s desire.

 

Section 17-6-42

Ballots to be paid for by counties and cities.

The printing and delivery of the ballots and cards of instructions to voters shall in municipal elections be paid for by the several cities and towns and in all other elections by the several counties respectively.

 

Section 17-6-43

Packaging of ballots; detachable stubs.

Ballots for use in a precinct shall be packaged in convenient numbers in such manner that each ballot may be removed separately. Each ballot shall have attached to it a numbered stub which can be detached therefrom without injury to the ballot or exposing the contents thereof.

 

Section 17-6-44

Number of ballots per elector.

There shall be provided for each voting place at least one ballot for each registered elector at that place.

 

Section 17-6-45

Performance of duties under chapter for municipal elections.

In case of any municipal election held at a time different from a general state or federal election, the duties herein prescribed for the judge of probate in respect to receiving nominations, printing and distributing ballots and cards of instructions shall be discharged under the same sanctions by the mayor or other chief executive officer of the city or town.

 

Section 17-6-46

Instructional posters.

(a) The judge of probate shall cause to be printed in large type posters of instructions for the guidance of electors in preparing their ballots. Instructional information shall not show partiality to any political party or candidate. The information shall include:

(1) A sample version of the ballot that will be used for that election.

(2) Information regarding the date of the election and the hours during which polling places will be open.

(3) Instructions on how to vote, including how to cast a vote and how to cast a provisional ballot.

(4) Instructions for mail-in registrants and first-time voters registering and voting for the first time after January 1, 2003.

(5) General information on voting rights under applicable federal and state laws, including information on the right of an individual to cast a provisional ballot and instructions on how to contact the appropriate officials if these rights are alleged to have been violated.

(6) General information on federal and state laws regarding prohibitions on acts of fraud and misrepresentation.

(b) The judge of probate shall furnish to the sheriff three, or more if necessary, sets of instructions to be posted in the following manner at each precinct. One set of instructions shall be posted near the entrance of the voting place so as to be plainly visible to those entering. Another set of instructions shall be placed in a plainly visible location near the area where voters are identified from the list of qualified voters printed from the state voter registration list. Remaining sets of instructions may be placed in plainly visible locations to assist voters in accordance with the circumstances presented by the physical layout of the voting place. The instructions shall be printed in large clear type and shall be made available in alternative languages in counties where the most recent federal decennial census indicates that a specific alternative language group exceeds five percent of the voting age population for that county.

 

Section 17-6-47

Blank forms and stationery for election.

The judge of probate for each county shall have printed, at the expense of the county, ballots, blank poll lists, certificates of results, oaths, and any other stationery or blank forms necessary in the conduct of an election. The judge of probate shall also superintend and insure the delivery by the sheriff to the inspectors of the election of the ballots, blank poll lists, certificates of results, oaths, and other stationery or blank forms necessary in the conduct of the elections.

 

Section 17-6-48

Designating certain officers by number.

In all primary and general elections of associate justices of the Supreme Court of Alabama, justices of the courts of appeals of Alabama, judges of the circuit and district courts, and associate members of the public service commission, wherein two or more of such justices, judges, or officers are to be elected at the same time, each of such places to be filled shall be designated by number by the Secretary of State.

 

Section 17-6-49

Office sought to be designated by number.

Every person who seeks an office mentioned in Section 17-6-48 shall, when becoming a candidate pursuant to Section 17-5-2, designate the number of the office for which he or she is a candidate.

 

Article 3 Alabama Informed Voter Act.

 

Section 17-6-80

Short title.

This article shall be known and may be cited as The Alabama Informed Voter Act.

 

Section 17-6-81

Fair Ballot Commission; ballot statements.

(a)

(1) There is created the Fair Ballot Commission. The purpose of the commission is to provide to the public a fair and accurate explanation of what a vote for and what a vote against a statewide ballot measure represents.

(2) The commission shall consist of the following 18 members: The Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Secretary of State, or their designees, shall each serve as a member on the commission and shall each appoint to the commission one member who is an attorney licensed in the state and one member who is a private citizen of the state who is not an attorney. The Alabama State University School of Public Policy, the Samford University School of Public Policy, and the Miles College School of Law shall each appoint a member to the commission. Other than the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Secretary of State, or their designees, no public official, as that term is defined in Section 36-25-1(27), shall serve on the commission. The Chair, Vice Chair, and Ranking Minority Member of the House Constitution, Campaigns and Elections Committee and the Chair, Vice Chair, and Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Constitution, Campaign Finance, Ethics, and Elections Committee shall serve as non-voting advisors to the commission.

(3) The appointments shall reflect the geographic, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity of the state with at least one appointed member from each congressional district.

(4) The initial terms of the members appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Lieutenant Governor shall be for two years while the initial terms of the members appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries and the Secretary of State shall be for four years. After the initial term, each subsequent member shall be appointed to a four-year term. No appointed member of the commission shall serve more than two full consecutive terms.

(5) Members of the commission shall serve without compensation. Members of the commission, except for the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Secretary of State, or their designees, shall be reimbursed for travel expenses to commission meetings in Montgomery, Alabama, at the same rate as state employees receive, to be paid from funds provided from the Legislature. The members of the commission who are attorneys shall not be paid any fees other than travel expenses at the same rate as state employees. The Legislative Fiscal Office, the Legislative Reference Service, the Alabama Law Institute, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, and the Secretary of the Senate shall provide clerical assistance to the commission as determined by the chair of the commission.

(6) The commission may participate in a meeting of the commission by means of telephone conference, video conference, or similar communication equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting may hear each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting for all purposes, except for purposes of establishing a quorum. Non-voting advisors to the commission may participate in meetings, but their presence at a meeting shall not be used in determining the existence of a quorum of the commission. The first commission meeting shall be held at the Capitol at the call of the Governor, at which time the commission, by majority vote, shall elect from their membership a chair and vice chair.

(b) No later than 60 calendar days prior to a vote on a statewide ballot measure, the commission shall post the following information, to be known as a ballot statement, in a conspicuous and publicly accessible location on the website of the Secretary of State:

(1) The text of the statewide ballot measure, including sponsors, cosponsors, and the text of the question that will appear on the statewide ballot.

(2) A summary of and the text of any implementing legislation directly related to the statewide ballot measure.

(3) The placement of the statewide ballot measure on the statewide ballot.

(4) A plain language summary of the statewide ballot measure, which shall include, at a minimum, the legal or constitutional authority for its passage, the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is passed, including its cost and source of funding, and the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is defeated.

(c) Ballot statements shall be written in plain, nontechnical language and in a clear and coherent manner using words with common and every day meaning that are understandable to the average reader. Ballot statements shall be true and impartial statements of the effect of a vote for and a vote against the measure in language neither intentionally argumentative nor likely to create prejudice for or against the proposed measure. In addition, ballot statements shall include language as to whether the measure will increase, decrease, or have no impact on taxes, including the specific category of tax.

(d) Ballot statements may be approved only at meetings of the commission and only by a majority of the commission members present at the commission meeting. In the event a majority of the commission cannot agree on a ballot statement within the 60-day time frame prescribed in subsection (b), the portion of the website of the Secretary of State containing the commission’s ballot statements shall contain a statement that a majority of the commission cannot agree on the ballot statement as well as an explanation written by the chair of the commission as to why the commission failed to reach an agreement. Additionally, in the event a majority of the commission cannot agree on a ballot statement within the 60-day time frame prescribed in subsection (b), those portions of ballot statements which can be agreed upon by a majority of the commission shall be posted on the portion of the website of the Secretary of State containing the commission’s ballot statements, along with links to other websites included pursuant to subsection (f) and individual statements of support and opposition included pursuant to subsection (g).

(e) Ballot statements approved by the commission or, in the event the commission does not approve a ballot statement, those portions of ballot statements which can be agreed upon by a majority of the commission, shall be printed, posted, and distributed in the same manner and by the same officials as sample ballots are printed, posted, and distributed. Additionally, a printed copy of each ballot statement approved by the commission or, in the event the commission does not approve a ballot statement, those portions of ballot statements which can be agreed upon by a majority of the commission, not later than 55 calendar days prior to a vote on a statewide ballot measure, shall be made available for the purpose of public distribution at the office of the Secretary of State or at the office of each judge of probate, provided that these offices may cover their printing costs by requiring that the person requesting a printed copy pay a printing fee, the maximum amount of which shall equal the costs of fulfilling each printing request.

(f) The chair of the commission shall allow the portion of the website of the Secretary of State containing the commission’s ballot statements to also include links to other websites that discuss upcoming statewide ballot measures. This portion of the website of the Secretary of State shall clearly state that members of the commission are not responsible for the content of any linked website and that the linking of a website does not represent the commission’s endorsement of the website’s contents.

(g) Any member of the Legislature or their designees, may post individual statements supporting or opposing a statewide ballot measure on the portion of the website of the Secretary of State containing the commission’s ballot statements within 3 calendar days of receipt. Each of these individual statements of support or opposition shall not exceed 300 words, shall be provided to the chair of the commission at least 10 calendar days prior to the vote on the statewide ballot measure at issue, and shall be posted not later than seven calendar days prior to the vote on the statewide ballot measure at issue.

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Title 17 – Chapter 7

Chapter 7 – ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINES

Article 1. Payment for Electronic Voting Machines.

 

Section 17-7-1

Payment for machines.

The county commission or city commission or such other authority as levies the taxes for county or city purposes of any county or city which adopts the use of electronic voting machines, shall, upon the purchase, rental, or lease thereof, provide for payment therefor by the county or city; provided, that bonds or other evidences of indebtedness, payable not later than 15 years from their dates of issuance, may be issued in accordance with the provisions of law relating to the increase of indebtedness of counties or cities, to meet all or any part of the cost of the electronic voting machines.

 

Section 17-7-2

Warrants or certificates for purchase – Issuance; form; interest.

Each county in which electronic voting machines may now or hereafter be authorized or required to be used in the conduct of elections in such county shall have the power from time to time to sell and issue interest-bearing warrants of such county or interest-bearing certificates of indebtedness of such county for the purpose of paying the cost of acquiring or providing electronic voting machines for the conduct of elections in such county, or for providing a voter reidentification program, providing equipment for the county board of registrars, or paying for construction for compliance with handicap regulations for accessibility to polling places. Such warrants and certificates may be in such denomination or denominations, may have such maturity or maturities not exceeding 15 years from their date, may bear interest from their date at an annual rate or rates not exceeding the prevailing rate, payable semiannually, may be payable at such place or places within or without this state, may be sold at such time or times and in such manner, may be executed in such manner, and may contain such terms not in conflict with the provisions of this section and Sections 17-7-3 through 17-7-7, all as the county commission of such county may provide in the proceedings wherein the warrants or certificates are authorized to be issued.

 

Section 17-7-3

Warrants or certificates for purchase – Obligation of county; disposition of proceeds.

All warrants and certificates issued pursuant to this article shall evidence general obligation indebtedness of the county by which they are issued, and the full faith and credit of the county shall be irrevocably pledged for the payment of the principal thereof and interest thereon. The proceeds derived from the sale of any such warrants and certificates shall be used solely for the purpose for which they are authorized to be issued, including the payment of any expenses incurred in connection with the issuance thereof.

 

Section 17-7-4

Warrants or certificates for purchase – Pledge of general ad valorem tax for payment.

The county commission of the county issuing any warrants or certificates pursuant to this article may pledge and use or cause to be used, for the payment of the principal of and interest on such warrants and certificates, so much as may be necessary for such purpose of the general annual ad valorem tax of one half of one percent which the county is authorized to levy without reference to the purpose thereof under the provisions of Section 215 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901. If more than one such pledge shall be made of the tax, then such pledges shall take precedence in the order in which they are made unless the proceedings making such pledge shall expressly provide that such pledge shall be on a parity with or subordinate to a subsequent pledge of the tax. All warrants and certificates for which the pledge authorized in this section may be made shall constitute preferred claims against the tax, and shall have preference over claims incurred in carrying on the governmental function of the county.

 

Section 17-7-5

Warrants or certificates for purchase – Refunding authorized.

Each such county may in like manner from time to time issue refunding warrants and certificates, either by sale or by exchange, for the purpose of refunding a like or greater principal amount of warrants and certificates then outstanding which were issued under the provisions of this section and Sections 17-7-2 through 17-7-4 and Sections 17-7-6 and 17-7-7 and the interest thereon and paying any premium necessary to be paid to retire the outstanding warrants and certificates refunded thereby. The provisions of this section and Sections 17-7-2 through 17-7-4 and Sections 17-7-6 and 17-7-7 applicable to the warrants and certificates so refunded shall likewise be applicable to such refunding warrants and certificates.

 

Section 17-7-6

Warrants or certificates for purchase – Sections 17-7-2 through 17-7-7 control inconsistent laws.

Insofar as the provisions of this section and Sections 17-7-2 through 17-7-5 and Section 17-7-7 may be inconsistent with the provisions of any other law, the provisions of this section and Sections 17-7-2 through 17-7-5 and Section 17-7-7 shall control, it being hereby specifically declared that the provisions of Section 11-8-10 shall not be applicable to the warrants and certificates issued under the provisions of this section and Sections 17-7-2 through 17-7-5 and Section 17-7-7.

 

Section 17-7-7

Warrants or certificates for purchase – Applicability of Sections 17-7-2 through 17-7-7.

The provisions of this section and Sections 17-7-2 through 17-7-6 shall apply to each county in this state in which electronic voting machines may now or hereafter be authorized or required to be used in the conduct of elections in such county.

 

Article 2. Electronic Vote Counting Systems.

 

Section 17-7-20

Definitions.

For the purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:

(1) AUTOMATIC TABULATING EQUIPMENT. Includes any apparatus necessary to examine and count automatically votes designated on ballots and data processing machines which can be used for counting ballots and tabulating results.

(2) COMMITTEE. The Alabama Electronic Voting Committee.

(3) ELECTRONIC VOTE COUNTING SYSTEM. A system in which votes are recorded on a ballot and subsequently counted and tabulated by automatic tabulating equipment at one or more counting locations.

 

Section 17-7-21

Requirements for approval of system.

(a) The governing body of any county or municipality or other political subdivision of the state by adoption of an appropriate resolution, may authorize, adopt, and direct the use of electronic vote counting systems for use in all elections held in such county or municipality or other political subdivision or any portion thereof; and such resolution, a copy of which shall be filed with the Secretary of State, shall specify the particular type of equipment to be used and a procedure for implementation.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), no electronic vote counting system shall be used unless it has been constructed so that it:

(1) Permits and requires voting in secrecy.

(2) Permits each elector to vote at any election for all persons and offices for whom and for which he or she is lawfully entitled to vote; to vote for as many persons for an office as he or she is entitled to vote for; and to vote for or against any question upon which he or she is entitled to vote.

(3) Permits the voter at other than primary elections to vote a straight political party ticket in one operation.

(4) Permits such automatic tabulating equipment to be set to reject all votes for any office or question when the number of votes therefor exceeds the number which the voter is entitled to cast or when the voter is not entitled to cast a vote for the office or question.

(5) Is capable of correctly counting votes.

(6) When used in primary elections, counts only votes for the candidates of one party, rejects all votes for an office when the number of votes therefor exceeds the number which the voter is entitled to cast, and rejects all votes of a voter cast for candidates of more than one party.

(7) At presidential elections, permits each elector, by one operation, to vote for all presidential electors of a party or independent candidates for president or vice president.

(8) Provides a method for write-in voting.

(9) Is capable of accumulating a count of the specific number of ballots tallied for a precinct; accumulating total votes by candidate for each office; and accumulating total votes for and against each question for such precinct.

(10) Is capable of tallying votes from ballots of different political parties from the same precinct, in the case of a primary election.

(11) Is capable of automatically producing precinct vote totals in printed, marked, or punched form, or a combination thereof.

(12) Is capable of accurately and correctly tabulating each vote and having the same so certified.

 

Section 17-7-22

Electronic Voting Committee.

There is hereby created the Alabama Electronic Voting Committee which shall consist of five members. The committee shall consist of a representative appointed by the Secretary of State, a representative appointed by the Attorney General, and one judge of probate who shall be recommended by the Alabama Probate Judges Association and appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and shall serve without pay or reimbursement for expenses. Additionally, one member from the House of Representatives and one member from the Senate, to be appointed by the presiding officer of each house who shall be entitled to his or her regular legislative compensation, his or her per diem and travel expenses for each day he or she attends a meeting of the committee which shall be paid out of any funds appropriated to the use of the Legislature, upon warrants drawn on the state Comptroller upon requisitions signed by the committee’s chair; provided, however, that members shall not receive additional legislative compensation or per diem when the Legislature is in session or if a member is being paid any other payments on the same dates for attendance of other state business. The judge of probate shall be chair. The committee shall meet at the call of the chair or any three members.

 

Section 17-7-23

Examination and certification of equipment.

It shall be the duty of the committee to ensure the examination and certification of electronic vote counting systems in the following manner:

(1) By publicly examining all makes of electronic vote counting systems submitted and certifying whether such systems comply with the requirements of this section.

(2) By inviting any vendor or company interested in selling an electronic vote counting system in Alabama to submit such equipment for examination. The vote counting system shall be certified after a satisfactory evaluation and testing has been performed to determine that the equipment meets the requirements of this article and performance and test standards for electronic voting systems issued by the Federal Election Commission. The committee may use certification of the equipment by an authorized independent testing authority, or successor entity, as evidence that the equipment meets the requirements of Section 17-7-21 and this section, where certification by the independent testing authority, or successor entity, is applicable. For the purpose of assisting in examining such system, the committee may employ not more than three individuals who are expert in one or more fields of data processing, mechanical engineering, and public administration, who may or may not be state employees and shall require from them a written report of their examination. The vendor submitting a system for certification shall pay to the State of Alabama by depositing with the State Treasury for distribution to reimburse the committee in an amount equal to the actual costs, if any, incurred in examining the system. Such reimbursement shall be made whether or not the system is certified. No member of the committee nor any examiner shall have any pecuniary interest in any voting equipment.

(3) The committee shall approve only those electronic vote counting systems that are certified by an authorized independent testing authority, or successor entity, as meeting the performance and test standards for electronic voting systems issued by the Federal Election Commission.

(4) After certification of any electronic vote counting system, the Secretary of State shall make and maintain a report on the system, and as soon as practicable shall send a notice of certification and, upon request, a copy of the report to all governing bodies of the counties of the state. Any electronic vote counting system that does not receive certification shall not be adopted or used at any election.

(5) After an electronic vote counting system has been certified, any change or improvement in the system shall be certified by the committee prior to the adoption of such change or improvement by any county. The committee shall re-examine the electronic vote counting system to the extent necessary to determine that it, as changed or improved, is in compliance with the requirements of this article. If the system, as changed or improved, is not in compliance, the committee shall suspend all sales of the equipment or system in the state until such equipment or system complies with the requirements of this article.

(6) The adoption of an electronic vote counting system in which votes are recorded on an electronic ballot as authorized in this article is hereby validated. It is the legislative intent of this subsection to declare that the use of electronic vote counting systems in which votes are recorded on an electronic ballot has, since the enactment of the Election Reform Act of 1983, been an acceptable method of electronic vote counting.

 

Section 17-7-24

Report of certification or rejection to be issued.

Examinations shall be conducted and a report of certification or rejection issued within 90 days following request by vendor or company.

 

Section 17-7-25

Implementation of article.

(a) It shall be the duty of the committee to recommend procedures to be implemented by the Secretary of State under the Administrative Procedure Act where appropriate to achieve and maintain the maximum degree of correctness and impartiality of voting, counting, tabulating, and recording votes, by electronic vote counting systems provided by this article.

(b) To the extent practicable, statutes and procedures implemented by the Secretary of State pursuant to this chapter shall apply in all municipal elections that are conducted using automatic tabulating equipment or an electronic official vote counting system. The duties assigned in the rules and statutes to a state or county election official shall be performed by the corresponding municipal official. Where there is no corresponding municipal official, the duties shall be performed by the municipal clerk or other election official appointed by the municipal governing body where the clerk is ineligible to perform these duties. Where the rules or statutes refer to a statutory provision or act that conflicts with a statutory provision or act specifically applicable in municipal elections, the provision governing municipal elections shall prevail.

 

Section 17-7-26

Limitation on committee’s authority.

The authority of the Alabama Electronic Voting Committee relative to voting equipment shall be limited to the electronic vote counting equipment authorized under the provisions of this article and such committee shall have no authority to examine, approve, disapprove, or otherwise affect the use of other voting equipment.

 

Section 17-7-27

Secretary of State may implement uniform system of electronic voting in certain counties.

The Secretary of State may implement a uniform system of electronic voting in any county participating in the pilot project for establishing a uniform system of electronic voting provided for in Act 91-562. The Secretary of State may provide through the pilot project for the administration and educational support of a uniform system to enable counties to immediately and electronically obtain all vote totals and to enable a county to immediately transfer by electronic means all election vote totals, and other totals from a participating county directly to the office of the Secretary of State on a timely and economic basis.

 

Section 17-7-28

Counties participating in project may be eligible to receive state funding.

Any county participating in the pilot project may be eligible to receive funding from the state for 50 percent of the costs to lease purchase an electronic voting system for a period of not to exceed eight years from funds appropriated for election purposes which may accrue from savings in administrative and printing expense through the use of electronic voting. The Secretary of State may use as a guideline in determining the funds available for state reimbursement for the pilot project to a participating county the amount of the state reimbursement to the counties for election purposes and printing costs who had leased election systems during the 1988, 1990, and 1992 election years. Any county participating in the pilot project may receive funding from the state for 50 percent of the annual county lease purchase payment for the electronic system in lieu of reimbursement to the county for future voting machine ballot printing costs.

 

Section 17-7-29

Secretary of State may provide for orderly acceptance of counties requesting to participate; reimbursement.

After the establishment of the uniform system of electronic voting through the implementation of the pilot project, the Secretary of State may provide for the orderly acceptance of counties requesting to participate in the state uniform system. The Secretary of State may establish a list of counties requesting to participate in the state uniform system based on the order of receipt of the resolution of a county governing body. After the Secretary of State has accepted a county in the state uniform system, a county may be eligible for reimbursement of 50 percent of the costs of a lease purchase agreement or contract of not more than eight years in length to purchase an electronic voting system established by the pilot project. A county may be eligible for reimbursement only after the receipt of a voucher from the county governing body with a copy of a lease purchase agreement or contract meeting the specifications of this article attached. The state may continue to annually reimburse the county for 50 percent of the lease purchase agreement or contract which payment may be in lieu of voting machine ballot printing costs payments by the state to the participating county in the future.

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Title 17 – Chapter 8

Chapter 8 – ELECTION OFFICERS

Section 17-8-1

Appointment of election officials; duties.

(a) The appointing board, or a majority of them acting as an appointing board, not more than 20 nor less than 15 days before the holding of any election in their county, shall appoint from the qualified electors of the respective precinct, necessary precinct election officials, which shall include at least one inspector, to act at each voting place in each precinct. The appointing board may appoint the number of precinct election officials necessary for each precinct, provided that, absent consent of the county commission, the total number of precinct election officials appointed in a county shall not exceed the total number of precinct election officials who were paid by the county for the general election held November 2004. In the event that the number of precincts or voting places utilized in an election within a county is increased or decreased, the total number of officials who may be appointed without consent of the county commission shall be increased or decreased proportionately based upon the average number of workers utilized in each precinct or polling place within the county. In the event that the county changes voting equipment from that used in the November 2004 election, the total number of precinct election officials the appointing board may appoint shall be the average number of precinct election officials per precinct or polling place utilized statewide for the general election held in November 2004, multiplied by the number of precincts or polling places in the county changing voting equipment; provided, however, that the number of precinct election officials appointed for any precinct in the county may be increased with the consent of the county commission. Members of a candidate’s immediate family to the second degree of kinship by affinity or consanguinity and any member of a candidate’s principal campaign committee are not eligible for appointment.

(b) The precinct election officials shall have the following duties:

(1) The inspector shall be in charge of the voting place and shall serve as returning officer for the voting place.

(2) The registration list clerk shall check the name of voters against the list of registered voters and mark off the names of those who vote in order to prevent double voting. If any person whose name does not appear on the list of registered voters is permitted to vote by means of a certificate as provided in Section 17-10-3, or by means of a provisional ballot as provided in Sections 17-10-1 and 17-10-2, the registration list clerk shall legibly print the name and address on the list of registered voters, mark through the name to indicate that the person has voted, and record by the name whether the person voted by certificate, with source and date, or by provisional ballot.

(3) The poll list clerk shall ensure that each voter signs the poll list as provided in Sections 17-9-15 and 17-13-7. A clerk shall print the voter’s name on the poll list or a duplicate list so that the signature can be identified. The poll list clerk shall give a ballot to the voter with the stub attached to the ballot pad. Ballots shall be given out in sequence beginning with the lowest numbered ballot.

(4) The ballot clerk, upon the request of a voter, shall assist the voter as necessary to deposit the ballot in the precinct ballot counter.

(c) Any person who is compensated for working at the polls during any returning, other than an inspector appointed under subsection (a), may work on a split shift schedule if determined necessary by the judge of probate. Each portion of a split shift shall consist of not less than six consecutive hours of work and the worker shall be paid one-half of the per day compensation provided for by general or local law in the county.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a), the judge of probate or other appropriate election officials in a county, may provide for the appointment of additional inspectors and clerks from within the county at-large to serve as alternates in the event an appointed inspector or clerk is unable to perform his or her duties. First priority shall be given for the appointment of alternates who are registered voters at the precinct where a vacancy exists. The number of alternates shall be limited as provided herein and no payment shall be provided for alternates in excess of the number authorized in this subsection. In a county with a population of less than 100,000 inhabitants, the judge of probate or other appropriate election officials in the county may provide for the appointment and payment of up to four alternate inspectors, clerks, or returning officers; in a county with a population of 100,000 to 250,000 inhabitants, the judge of probate or other appropriate election officials in the county may provide for the appointment and payment of up to 12 alternate inspectors, clerks, or returning officers; and in a county with a population of more than 250,000 inhabitants, the judge of probate or other appropriate election officials in the county may provide for the appointment and payment of up to 24 alternate inspectors, clerks, or returning officers. The appointment and payment of alternates shall be election expenses eligible for reimbursement by the state Comptroller pursuant to general law.

 

Section 17-8-2

Notice of appointment.

The judge of probate shall notify such inspector and clerk of their appointment by mail and publish a list of them in a newspaper of general circulation published in the county.

 

Section 17-8-3

When officers ineligible to serve on appointing board.

When the judge of probate, sheriff, or clerk of the circuit court is a candidate for election to any office at that election and has opposition named on the ballot, he or she shall not serve on the appointing board. The judge of probate, as the chief election official for the county, shall certify to the qualified members of the appointing board the fact of the candidacy of any member of the appointing board immediately after the certificate of nomination, or petition, as provided in Section 17-9-3, is filed.

 

Section 17-8-4

Replacement of ineligible member of appointing board.

Upon receiving the certificate provided for in Section 17-8-3, the remaining members of the appointing board shall forthwith and without delay appoint a qualified elector to take the place of each member of the appointing board who is a candidate for election, and shall cause the elector so appointed to be informed of his or her appointment. No person shall be appointed who is a candidate for any office to be voted for in that election. If the remaining members of the appointing board are unable to agree as to who should take the place of an appointing board member who is a candidate for election or if all members of the appointing board are unable to serve, the presiding circuit court judge shall make the appointment.

The person so appointed shall perform all the duties and be vested with all the powers of the regular members of the appointing board, and shall take an oath to faithfully perform his or her duties.

 

Section 17-8-5

Political parties furnish lists from which appointments are made.

Each political party or organization having made nominations, by the chair of its state or county executive committee or nominees for office, may furnish the appointing board a list of names of recommended poll workers from qualified electors for each voting place not later than 45 days before the election. From the lists provided, one inspector and at least three clerks shall be appointed for each voting place from members of opposing political parties, if practicable. If there are more than two lists filed, the appointments shall be made from the lists presented by the two political parties having received the highest number of votes in the state in the next preceding regular election, if each of the parties presents a list.

If no lists are furnished, the appointing board shall appoint an inspector and at least three clerks for each voting place from the qualified electors of the precinct from members of opposing political parties, if practicable.

 

Section 17-8-6

Failure of election officials to attend.

On the failure of any precinct election official to attend at the hour of 7:00 A.M., such precinct election officials as may be present may complete the number. If the inspector appointed is not present, the other precinct election officials present shall choose one of their number to serve as inspector and shall appoint from the qualified electors, who are entitled by law to vote at that polling place at the election then to be held, such clerks as may be necessary to complete the requisite number of precinct election officials. If there should be no precinct election officials present at the polling place by the hour of 7:00 A.M., then any four qualified electors who are entitled by law to vote at that polling place at the election then to be held may open the polls and act as precinct election officials for the voting place during the absence of an appointed precinct election official.

 

Section 17-8-7

Poll watchers.

(a) Except in the case of municipal elections, each political party or organization having candidates nominated, by a writing submitted to the inspector by the chair of the county executive committee or nominees for office or beat committeeman, may appoint a watcher for each voting place. In the event of an election in which there are no candidates, each political party, through a writing submitted to the inspector by the chair of the county executive committee, may appoint a watcher for each voting place.

(b) Watchers shall have the right to:

(1) Observe the conduct of the election.

(2) Monitor the preliminaries of opening the polls.

(3) Remain at the polling place throughout the election until the results of the election have been posted and the voting machines sealed, as provided by law.

(4) Observe the ballots as they are counted.

(5) Observe absentee ballots and affidavits when they are called during the count.

(6) See all oaths administered and signed, the record of assisted voters, the list of qualified voters, the poll lists, and any and all records made in connection with the election.

(c) Each watcher shall be sworn to faithfully observe the rule of law prescribed for the conduct of elections. Watchers may be present to be sworn in with the precinct election officials, or as time allows, but so as not to interfere with the election. Each watcher shall be a resident and qualified elector of the State of Alabama. Election officials, including returning officers, may not serve as poll watchers.

(d) A watcher may not disturb voters, attempt to influence voters, campaign, or display or wear any campaign material or buttons while inside any polling place.

 

Section 17-8-8

Oaths of election officials.

Before entering upon their duties, precinct election officials must take an oath to perform their duties at the election according to law, and such oath may be administered by any person authorized by law to administer oaths or by any inspector.

 

Section 17-8-9

Instruction of election officials.

(a) Not less than five days before an election or primary election, the authority charged with holding the same shall cause to be held a school of instruction for those who will actually conduct the election or primary election at the polling places. The judge of probate shall notify such election officials of the time and place of the holding of such school of instruction, and shall also publish notice at least 48 hours before the same is to be held.

(b) No election official shall serve in any election in which an electronic voting machine is used, unless he or she shall have received such instruction within 60 days prior to the election and is fully qualified to perform the duties in connection with the electronic voting machine, and has received a certificate from the authorized instructor to that effect; provided, that this shall not prevent the appointment of an uninstructed person as an election official to fill a vacancy among the election officials.

 

Section 17-8-10

Returning officer.

The sheriff of each county or the person discharging the duties of such office is the returning officer for the county.

The inspector for each voting place is charged with the duty of returning the ballots and sealed election materials from the voting place to the county returning officer.

 

Section 17-8-11

Return of ballots in absence of inspector.

If the inspector is not present at the hour appointed, the precinct election officials present shall select one of their number to return the ballots to the county returning officer.

 

Section 17-8-12

Compensation of election officials.

(a) The inspector and clerks shall each be entitled to base compensation of fifty dollars ($50). The compensation of the election officials shall be paid as preferred claims, out of moneys in the county treasury not appropriated, on proper proof of service rendered. In all counties in which the compensation of election officials is prescribed by local law or general law of local application at an amount in excess of the amount prescribed, the compensation of the election officials shall not be decreased under this section and the county commission may increase the compensation so prescribed. In those counties in which compensation of election officials is set at an amount in excess of five dollars ($5) per day, but less than fifty dollars ($50) per day, the provision of the local law or general law of local application relative thereto is superseded and the compensation prescribed herein shall be the total compensation of election officials in the counties.

(b) In addition to the compensation provided in subsection (a), each clerk shall be entitled to supplemental compensation paid by the state to ensure that the total compensation paid to each shall be in an amount of at least seventy-five dollars ($75) per day, and each inspector shall be entitled to supplemental compensation paid by the state in an amount that ensures that the total compensation of an inspector is at least one hundred dollars ($100) per day. Upon completion of a local election school or being certified as a qualified poll worker by the probate judge, or both, each clerk and inspector shall be entitled to receive an additional twenty-five dollars ($25) per day in compensation from the state. The increase provided for in this subsection shall not increase or decrease any salary supplement paid under a local law which is in effect on October 1, 2005. The provisions of this subsection shall only apply to those statewide elections for which county expenses are reimbursed by the state as defined in Chapter 16. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to special county or other elections held at any time other than at the time of holding statewide elections.

 

Section 17-8-13

Certain election officials excused from employment to perform election duties.

(a) All laws to the contrary notwithstanding, any precinct election official appointed pursuant to Section 17-8-1 shall be excused from his or her employment without penalty of loss of time for election day only in order to perform the duties of the position to which he or she has been appointed. Proper documentation of the appointment and the dates of the required service shall be furnished to the employer by the appointee at least seven days before the expected absence from his or her employment.

(b) This section shall not apply to any employee working for an employer with 25 or fewer employees or require an employer to compensate an employee while performing the duties as prescribed in subsection (a).

Section 17-8-14

Student interns.

(a) The judge of probate in each county may appoint not more than two students for each precinct to serve as unpaid student interns during elections. To be appointed a student intern, a student must meet all of the following qualifications:

(1) Be recommended by a principal or other school official, or by the individual responsible for the student’s home instruction program.

(2) Be at least 16 years of age at the time of the election for which the appointment is made.

(3) Be a resident of the county or municipality for which the appointment is made.

(4) Be enrolled in a public high school, an accredited private high school, or a home instruction program and be classified as a junior or senior or the equivalent, or be enrolled in a two-year or four-year institution of higher education.

(b) The duties of the student interns appointed pursuant to this section shall be determined by the officials in charge of the election in the county or municipality; provided, however, the duties may not include either of the following:

(1) Determining the qualifications of a voter in the event a voter is challenged.

(2) The operation and maintenance of any voting equipment.

(c) Student interns shall at all times be under the supervision of the poll managers of the election while performing their duties at precincts.

(d) Before performing any duties, student interns shall attend all required training for poll workers of the county or municipality and any additional training considered necessary by the officials in charge of the election in the county or municipality.

(e) A student intern who works four or more hours in a day during school hours on the day of an election or any day of training shall be entitled to an excused absence from school for purposes of Chapter 28 of Title 16.

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Title 17 – Chapter 9

Chapter 9 – CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF ELECTIONS

Article 1 General Provisions

Section 17-9-1

Duty of sheriff to preserve order at elections.

The sheriff of each county shall, on each day of election, be present in person or by deputy at all election precincts where elections are held in the county, and shall preserve good order; and, in order that every elector who desires to vote may do so without interference or interruption, such sheriff or deputy may specially deputize a sufficient force to act at all election precincts on the day of any election that the sheriff or deputy may deem necessary.

Any sheriff or deputy who wilfully or corruptly fails to perform any duty imposed by this section, on conviction, shall be punished in accordance with Section 17-17-2.

 

Section 17-9-2

Duties of judge of probate to devolve upon circuit court in event of failure to perform.

In the event the judge of probate of any county is unable, or neglects, fails, or refuses to perform the duties prescribed in this title, the duties, responsibilities, penalty, and authority of the judge of probate shall devolve upon the judge of the circuit court of the county.

 

Section 17-9-3

Persons entitled to have names printed on ballots; failure of Secretary of State to certify nominations.

(a) The following persons shall be entitled to have their names printed on the appropriate ballot for the general election, provided they are otherwise qualified for the office they seek:

(1) All candidates who have been put in nomination by primary election and certified in writing by the chair and secretary of the canvassing board of the party holding the primary and filed with the judge of probate of the county, in the case of a candidate for county office, and the Secretary of State in all other cases, on the day next following the last day for contesting the primary election for that office if no contest is filed. If a contest is filed, then the certificate for the contested office must be filed on the day next following the date of settlement or decision of the contest.

(2) All candidates who have been put in nomination by any caucus, convention, mass meeting, or other assembly of any political party or faction and certified in writing by the chair and secretary of the nominating caucus, convention, mass meeting, or assembly and filed with the judge of probate, in the case of a candidate for county office, and the Secretary of State in all other cases, on or before 5:00 P.M. on the date of the first primary election as provided for in Section 17-13-3.

(3) Each candidate who has been requested to be an independent candidate for a specified office by written petition signed by electors qualified to vote in the election to fill the office when the petition has been filed with the judge of probate, in the case of a county office and with the Secretary of State in all other cases, on or before 5:00 P.M. on the date of the first primary election as provided for in Section 17-13-3. The number of qualified electors signing the petition shall equal or exceed three percent of the qualified electors who cast ballots for the office of Governor in the last general election for the state, county, district, or other political subdivision in which the candidate seeks to qualify.

(b) The Secretary of State, not later than 74 days before the general election, shall certify to the judge of probate of each county in the state, in the case of an officer to be voted for by the electors of the whole state, and to the judges of probate of the counties composing the circuit or district in the case of an officer to be voted for by the electors of a circuit or district, upon suitable blanks to be prepared by him or her for that purpose, the fact of nomination or independent candidacy of each nominee or independent candidate or candidate of a party who did not receive more than 20 percent of the entire vote cast in the last general election preceding the primary who has qualified to appear on the general election ballot. The judge of probate shall then prepare the ballot with the names of each candidate qualified under the provisions of this section printed on the ballot. The judge of probate may not print on the ballot the name of any independent candidate who was a candidate in the primary election of that year and the name of any nominee of a political party who was a candidate for the nomination of a different political party in the primary election of that year.

 

Section 17-9-4

Certificates of nomination to be preserved by judge of probate.

The judge of probate shall cause to be preserved all certificates and petitions of nomination filed in his or her office under the provisions of this chapter for six months after the election for which such nominations are made.

 

Section 17-9-5

Notice of election.

The judge of probate must give notice at least 14 days before each election by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, if any is published therein and, if not, by writings posted at the courthouse door and at three other public places in the county, of the time of holding and the offices to be filled by such election. Such notice shall consist only of the date of the election and the officers to be voted for or subjects to be voted on.

 

Section 17-9-6

Time of holding elections.

Every polling place shall open for voting at 7:00 A.M. and shall close at 7:00 P.M. All polling places in areas operating on eastern time shall open and close under this section pursuant to eastern time except the county commissions in Chambers County and Lee County may by resolution provide for any polling place to be excluded from this sentence and to be open according to central time.

 

Section 17-9-7

When election officials to meet, open polling place, etc.

The precinct election officials appointed shall meet at the place of holding elections in the several voting places for which they have been appointed not later than 30 minutes before the scheduled opening of the polls and shall open the several polling places at the time designated.

 

Section 17-9-8

No adjournment.

After the polls have opened, no adjournment or recess shall be taken until the certificate of the result of the election is signed.

 

Section 17-9-9

Proclaiming polls open.

The inspectors, before they commence receiving ballots, must cause it to be proclaimed at the place of voting that the election is opened.

 

Section 17-9-10

Elector must vote in county and voting place of domicile.

At all elections held within this state, the elector shall vote in the county and voting place of his or her domicile and nowhere else and shall have registered as provided in this title. If any elector attempts to vote in any voting place other than that of his or her domicile, his or her vote shall be rejected, except when casting a provisional ballot, as provided by law.

 

Section 17-9-11

Voter to sign name on poll list; exceptions.

In every election held in this state, the voter shall sign his or her name on one of the poll lists or lists of persons who vote in the election, required by law to be maintained at each voting place; and no person shall record on this list the name of any voter for him or her, except where the voter, because of a physical disability, is unable to write his or her own name on the poll list; in which case an election official shall write the name of such voter on the list and shall sign his or her own name on the poll list on the same line with the name of the voter. If the voter is unable to sign his or her name because of illiteracy, his or her name shall be written for him or her and the voter shall make his or her mark upon the poll list, in the presence of any of the election officials, and the election official witnessing the act shall record his or her name, as witness, on the same line with the name of the voter.

 

Section 17-9-12

Poll list to be sealed.

The signed voter poll list shall be sealed in an envelope before the inspectors begin to count the vote and shall not be opened.

 

Section 17-9-13

Voting assistance; time allowed to finish voting.

(a) Any person who wishes assistance in voting may receive assistance from any person the voter chooses except the voter’s employer, an agent of the employer, or an officer or agent of the voter’s union. The voter is not required to state a reason for requesting assistance. To obtain assistance, the voter must specifically request assistance by naming the person from whom assistance is sought and by signing in the appropriate column of the voters’ poll list. The person providing assistance shall legibly sign in the adjacent column on the same line as the assisted voter’s name. By signing the poll list, the assistant shall certify that he or she is not the voter’s employer, an agent of the employer, or an officer or agent of the voter’s union. If the voter is unable to sign the poll list, the person giving assistance shall write the voter’s name in the appropriate column and then sign his or her own name in the third column.

(b) Any voter remaining in a voting station, including, but not limited to, a voting machine, table, booth, or device that permits a voter to complete a ballot in privacy, for four minutes or longer may be asked by a poll official if he or she requires assistance. At the same time, the voter shall be reminded that he or she has the right to have the assistance of any other person as permitted by law in this section, and that the poll officials may assist the voter if he or she so desires. If the voter does not desire assistance, the voter shall be permitted to remain in the voting station for no less than one additional minute. At the end of this additional minute, and if there exists a line of individuals waiting to vote, the voter may be informed that time is up and be asked to leave. If there is no line, the voter shall have as much time as necessary to finish voting. If the voter does request assistance, the voter may have the assistance of any person of his or her choosing currently in the voting place, as permitted by law in this section, and may have no less than an additional five minutes to vote. At the end of this additional five minutes, and if there exists a line of individuals waiting to vote, the voter may be informed that the time is up and be asked to leave the voting station. If there is no line, the voter shall have as much time as necessary to finish voting. Before an assigned voter exits the voting place, the voters’ poll list must be revised to reflect that assistance was received.

(c) An election official shall allow any voter who is mobility disabled or over the age of 70, who so requests, to move to the front of the line at the polling place.

(d) This section applies to general, primary, and special elections.

(e) The Chief election official at each polling place shall post a public notice at each polling place explaining mobility disabled voters or voters over the age of 70 are allowed, upon their request, to move to the front of the line at the polling place.

 

Section 17-9-14

Spoiled ballot.

(a) Any elector who shall by accident or mistake spoil a ballot so that he or she cannot conveniently or safely vote the same may return it to the inspectors and may receive another in lieu thereof, which ballot must be voted or returned to the inspectors by such elector.

(b) Spoiled ballots shall be retained in a separate container.

 

Section 17-9-15

Disposition of records and forms after close of polls.

After the close of the polls in all primary, special, general, and municipal elections held in the state, the records and forms produced at the polling places shall be returned as follows:

(1) The list of registered voters, the affirmations of provisional voters, the statements of election officials challenging provisional voters, and the voter reidentification forms shall be sealed in an envelope addressed to the board of registrars and the inspectors and any poll watchers present shall sign across the seal. The board of registrars shall hold the list of registered voters while using it to update their voter histories in accordance with Article 2 of Chapter 4. A copy of the list of registered voters shall be made a public record after the information specified in subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of Section 17-4-33 has been redacted by the board of registrars. The original and copies of the list shall then be returned to the city clerk in municipal elections and the judge of probate in all other elections.

(2) The signed voters’ poll list shall be sealed in an envelope and the inspectors and any poll watchers present shall sign across the seal. The envelope shall be delivered to the judge of probate in general and special elections and to the party chairs in primary elections. The “clerk’s poll list” shall be sealed in an envelope labeled “records of election” and the inspector and any poll watchers present shall sign across the seal and the envelope shall be placed in a “records of election” container and remain there during the period of time for the initiation of an election contest or recount as provided by law. The “records of election” container shall be delivered to the city clerk in municipal elections and the sheriff in all other elections to be retained in accordance with state and federal law.

 

Article 2 Voter Identification.

 

Section 17-9-30

Identification of electors; Alabama photo voter identification card.

(a) Each elector shall provide valid photo identification to an appropriate election official prior to voting. A voter required to show valid photo identification when voting in person shall present to the appropriate election official one of the following forms of valid photo identification:

(1) A valid Alabama driver’s license or nondriver identification card which was properly issued by the appropriate state or county department or agency.

(2) A valid Alabama photo voter identification card issued under subsection (g) or other valid identification card issued by a branch, department, agency, or entity of the State of Alabama, any other state, or the United States authorized by law to issue personal identification, provided that such identification card contains a photograph of the elector.

(3) A valid United States passport.

(4) A valid employee identification card containing the photograph of the elector and issued by any branch, department, agency, or entity of the United States government, this state, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state.

(5) A valid student or employee identification card issued by a public or private college, university, or postgraduate technical or professional school located within the state, provided that such identification card contains a photograph of the elector.

(6) A valid United States military identification card, provided that such identification card contains a photograph of the elector.

(7) A valid tribal identification card containing a photograph of the elector.

(b) Voters requesting an absentee ballot shall submit with the absentee ballot application a copy of one of the forms of identification listed in subsection (a). Notwithstanding subsection (e), an absentee ballot shall not be issued unless the required identification is submitted with the absentee ballot application except as provided in subsection (c).

(c) Notwithstanding subsection (b), if an absentee election manager receives an absentee ballot application on or after the eighth day prior to the election without a copy of one of the forms of identification listed in subsection (a), the absentee election manager, if the applicant is otherwise qualified to vote, shall issue the absentee ballot as a provisional ballot pursuant to subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of Section 17-10-2.

(d) Notwithstanding subsection (b), a voter who is entitled to vote by absentee ballot pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (subchapter I-G of Chapter 20 of Title 42 U.S.C.); Section 3(b)(2)(B)(ii) of the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act (subchapter I-F of Chapter 20 of Title 42 U.S.C.); or any other federal law, shall not be required to produce identification prior to voting.

(e) An individual required to present valid photo identification in accordance with this section who is unable to meet the identification requirements of this section shall be permitted to vote by a provisional ballot, as provided for by law.

(f) In addition, an individual who does not have valid photo identification in his or her possession at the polls shall be permitted to vote if the individual is positively identified by two election officials as a voter on the poll list who is eligible to vote and the election officials sign a sworn affidavit so stating.

(g) The Secretary of State shall issue, upon application, an Alabama photo voter identification card to registered Alabama electors which shall under state law be valid only for the purposes of voter identification under subsection (a) and available only to registered electors of this state. No fee shall be charged or collected for the application for or issuance of an Alabama photo voter identification card.

(h) No person shall be eligible for an Alabama photo voter identification card if such person has a valid unexpired driver’s license, nondriver identification card, or any other photo identification described in subsection (a).

(i) The Alabama photo voter identification card shall be captioned ALABAMA PHOTO VOTER IDENTIFICATION CARD and shall contain a prominent statement that under Alabama law the card is valid only as identification for voting purposes. The Alabama photo voter identification card shall be laminated, shall contain a digital color photograph of the applicant, shall have the signature of the Secretary of State, and shall include the following information:

(1) Full legal name.

(2) Address as reflected in the person’s voter registration record.

(3) Date of birth.

(4) Eye color.

(5) Gender.

(6) Height.

(7) Weight.

(8) Date identification card was issued.

(9) Other information as required by rule of the Secretary of State.

(j) The application for an Alabama photo voter identification card shall elicit the information required under subdivisions (1) to (7), inclusive, of subsection (i). The application shall be signed and sworn to by the applicant, and any falsification or fraud in the making of the application shall constitute a Class C felony.

(k) The Secretary of State shall require presentation and verification of the following information before issuing an Alabama photo voter identification card to a person:

(1) A photo identity document, except that a non-photo identity document is acceptable if the document includes both the person’s full legal name and date of birth.

(2) Documentation showing the person’s date of birth.

(3) Documentation showing the person is registered to vote in this state.

(4) Documentation showing the person’s name and address as reflected in the voter registration record.

(l) An Alabama photo voter identification card shall remain valid so long as the person resides at that same address and remains qualified to vote. It shall be the duty of a person who moves his or her residence within the State of Alabama to surrender his or her card to the Secretary of State, and such person may after such surrender apply for and receive a new card if the person is otherwise eligible under this section. It shall be the duty of a person who moves his or her residence outside the State of Alabama or who ceases to be qualified to vote to surrender his or her card to the Secretary of State.

(m) The Secretary of State is authorized to contract with a private provider for the production of the Alabama photo voter identification card pursuant to any applicable state bid laws.

(n) The expenses for the production of the Alabama photo voter identification card shall be paid from funds appropriated in the state General Fund for Registration of Voters.

(o) The Secretary of State is directed to inform the public regarding the requirements of subsection (a) through whatever means deemed necessary by the Secretary of State.

(p) The Secretary of State is granted rulemaking authority for the implementation of this section under the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act.

 

Article 3 Prohibited Practices.

 

Section 17-9-50

Proximity of persons to polling place.

Except as electors are admitted to vote and persons to assist them as herein provided, and except for the judge of probate, the sheriff, or his or her deputy, the precinct election officials, and watchers, no person shall be permitted within 30 feet of the door of the building of the polling place.

 

Section 17-9-50.1.

Photographing or revealing contents of another voter’s ballot.

(a) At any polling place in any state, county, or municipal election, an individual may not do either of the following:

(1) Take a photograph of a ballot, other than the individual’s own ballot.

(2) Reveal another voter’s ballot in a manner that would disclose its contents to anyone other than an individual lawfully assisting the voter.

(b) An individual who violates subsection (a), upon conviction, shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(c) This section does not prohibit a voter from making available a photograph of the voter’s own ballot by posting the photograph on the Internet or in some other electronic medium, and any retransmittal of the photograph does not constitute a violation of this section.

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Title 17 – Chapter 10

Chapter 10 – PROVISIONAL VOTING; CHALLENGE OF VOTERS

 

Section 17-10-1

Voter identification requirements.

(a) Each person who registers to vote by mail shall provide identification prior to the first time they vote in an election containing a federal office on the ballot and as otherwise required by Section 17-9-30.

(b) Voters who are voting by absentee ballot shall submit with the absentee ballot application a copy of one of the forms of identification listed in Section 17-9-30. An absentee ballot shall not be issued unless the required identification is submitted with the absentee ballot application except as provided in subsection (c).

(c) If an individual required to present identification in accordance with this section is unable to meet the identification requirements of this section, the ballot cast is a provisional ballot.

 

Section 17-10-2

Provisional ballots; certification; tabulation; identification of ballots.

(a) A voter shall be required to cast a provisional ballot when:

(1) The name of the individual does not appear on the official list of eligible voters for the precinct or polling place in which the individual seeks to vote, and the individual’s registration cannot be verified while at the polling place by the registrar or the judge of probate.

(2) An inspector has knowledge that the individual is not entitled to vote at that precinct and challenges the individual.

(3) The individual is required to comply with the voter identification provisions of Section 17-10-1 but is unable to do so. If the voter’s ballot becomes a provisional ballot due to lack of identification, the identification, including the address and telephone number of the voter, must be provided to the board of registrars no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Friday following the election. If the voter fails to provide identification to the board of registrars by 5:00 p.m. on the Friday following the election, the voter’s ballot shall not be counted.

(4) A federal or state court order extends the time for closing the polls beyond that established by state law and the individual votes during the extended period of time. Notwithstanding any other provision of state law, where provisional ballots are cast pursuant to a federal or state court order extending the time for closing the polls beyond that established by state law, the provisional ballots shall be segregated from other provisional ballots into a separate sealed container for such purpose and shall be counted, tabulated, and canvassed only pursuant to the order of a court having proper jurisdiction.

(5) The person has requested, but not voted, an absentee ballot.

(b) The procedure for casting a provisional ballot at the polling place shall be as follows:

(1) An inspector at the polling place shall notify the individual that the individual may cast a provisional ballot in that election and shall give the individual written information that states that any individual who casts a provisional ballot will be able to ascertain under the system described in subsection (g) whether the vote was counted, and, if the vote was not counted, the reason that the vote was not counted.

(2) The individual shall execute a written affirmation by the individual before the inspector or clerk stating the following:

“State of Alabama, County of ______________ I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I am a registered voter in the precinct in which I am seeking to vote and that I am eligible to vote in this election.

_____________________________________

Signature or Mark

_____________________________________

Printed Name of Voter

_____________________________________

Printed Residence Address of Voter

_____________________________________

City State Zip Code

_____________________________________

Date of Birth”

(3) The individual shall complete a voter reidentification form prescribed by the Secretary of State for use in updating the state voter registration list. This form shall indicate whether it is associated with a provisional ballot.

(4) Where a provisional ballot is required on the basis of an inspector’s knowledge that a voter is not qualified to vote in the precinct in which the individual is seeking to vote, the inspector shall sign a statement under penalty of perjury setting forth facts which the inspector believes to support his or her belief that the individual is not qualified to vote in the precinct in which the voter is seeking to vote. The challenge statement of the inspector shall be written on a multi-part form prescribed for such purpose by the Secretary of State and the inspector shall give one copy to the provisional voter, provide one copy to be sealed with the provisional ballots, and provide one copy to be returned to the board of registrars in a sealed envelope.

(5) The voter shall cast the provisional ballot and place it into a sealed ballot box separately identified and utilized for containing provisional ballots.

(c) The procedure for voting a provisional ballot by absentee voting shall be as follows:

(1) Upon receipt of an absentee ballot application, the absentee election manager shall determine whether identification has been properly provided. If the identification has not been properly provided on or after the eighth day before the election, the absentee election manager shall issue the absentee ballot as a provisional ballot and shall do all of the following:

a. Mark the word “provisional” on the second or affidavit envelope prior to transmittal of the absentee ballot.

b. Enclose the following information with the transmittal of the absentee ballot:

1. A written explanation as to why the ballot is a provisional ballot; how to complete the voter reidentification form and affirmation of provisional voter form; and the procedure followed by the board of registrars in verifying and certifying provisional votes.

2. A written explanation that identification must be returned with the ballot or must be provided to the board of registrars no later than 5:00 P.M. on the Friday following the election.

3. A written explanation that in the event the voter fails to provide identification with the voted ballot or fails to provide identification to the board of registrars by 5:00 P.M. on the Friday following the election, the voter’s ballot will not be counted.

4. A voter reidentification form and an affirmation of provisional voter form.

5. A written explanation that any individual who casts a provisional ballot will be able to ascertain under the system described in subsection (g) whether the vote was counted and, if the vote was not counted, the reason that the vote was not counted.

(2) Upon receipt of an application for an absentee ballot where the voter is not identified as appearing in the precinct for which the voter seeks a ballot, the absentee election manager shall:

a. Mark the word “provisional” on the second or affidavit envelope prior to transmittal of the absentee ballot.

b. Enclose the following information with the transmittal of the absentee ballot:

1. A written explanation as to why the ballot is a provisional ballot; how to complete the voter reidentification form and affirmation of provisional voter form; and the procedure followed by the board of registrars in verifying and certifying provisional votes.

2. A voter reidentification form and an affirmation of provisional voter form.

3. A written explanation that any individual who casts a provisional ballot will be able to ascertain under the system described in subsection (g) whether the vote was counted and, if the vote was not counted, the reason that the vote was not counted.

(3) When an absentee ballot becomes a provisional ballot as a result of an absentee precinct inspector having knowledge that the individual is not entitled to vote at the voting place applicable to the voter’s ballot and challenges the voter’s right to vote a particular ballot, the absentee precinct inspector shall follow the same procedure identified in subdivision (4) of subsection (b) except as follows:

a. In lieu of providing the provisional voter with a copy of the poll worker challenge statement, the inspector shall provide two copies to the absentee election manager once the results from the absentee precinct have been tabulated and certified.

b. The absentee election manager shall mail one copy of the challenge statement of the inspector by first class mail by the day after the election to the mailing address provided on the provisional voter’s application for an absentee ballot and shall enclose with it a written explanation of the procedure used by the board of registrars in verifying and certifying provisional ballots; an address and telephone number by which the provisional voter may respond; and a written explanation that any individual who casts a provisional ballot will be able to ascertain under the system described in subsection (g) whether the vote was counted and, if the vote was not counted, the reason that the vote was not counted.

(d) Upon the closing of the polls, the sealed ballot box containing the provisional ballots shall be returned unopened to the sheriff, or in municipal elections to the municipal clerk, who shall keep it securely until such time as the provisional ballots are counted in accordance with subsection (f). The written affirmations of the provisional voters, inspector challenge statements, and all voter reidentification forms shall be placed in a sealed envelope addressed to the board of registrars and delivered by the sheriff, or in municipal elections by the municipal clerk, to the board of registrars no later than noon on the day following the election.

(e) Upon receipt of materials returned from the polling places, the board of registrars shall forthwith update the state voter registration list utilizing the voter reidentification forms of provisional voters and shall verify by a certification attached to each provisional voter affirmation whether the provisional vote is entitled to be counted and the reason for or against counting the provisional ballot. For the purposes of a municipal election, when verifying a provisional ballot based upon the fact that the individual’s name does not appear on the official list of eligible voters for the polling place in which the individual seeks to vote, the board of registrars shall verify that the voter is registered to vote at an address located within the municipal corporate limits or district within which he or she seeks to vote. When verifying a provisional ballot based upon the challenge of an inspector, the board of registrars shall promptly contact the voter by first class mail and provide an explanation of how the provisional voter may respond to the challenge. After determining that the provisional voter has had notice and an opportunity to be heard, the board of registrars shall verify by a certification attached to the challenge statement whether the provisional ballot is due to be counted and, if not, why it should not be counted. The board of registrars shall deliver the provisional voter affirmations and inspector challenge statements, with the certified findings of the board of registrars attached, to the judge of probate, or in municipal elections to the municipal clerk, no later than noon seven days after the election until which time the findings shall remain confidential. Upon delivery of the materials, the board of registrars shall enter into the state voter registration list a voter history providing identification of voters who cast provisional ballots, whether their ballot was counted, and the reason the ballot either was or was not counted.

(f) Commencing at noon, Tuesday, seven days after the election, the canvassing board, or in municipal elections the municipal governing body, in the presence of watchers, shall tabulate provisional ballots which have been certified by the board of registrars as cast by registered and qualified voters of the voting places in which the ballots were cast. For the purpose of making election returns of provisional ballots, provisional balloting results shall be returned and canvassed as a separate precinct while disclosing all votes for candidates and ballot measures cast in the ballots. The canvassing board shall certify on a form to be prescribed by the Secretary of State the results of the provisional votes cast and shall post one copy in a public location within the courthouse, or in the city hall in municipal elections, and shall seal one copy with the provisional ballots, provisional voter affirmations, inspector or clerk challenge statements, and certifications of the board of registrars into a sealed container or, in the case of primary elections, containers designated for each political party for such purpose. The containers shall be delivered and remain secured with the other records of the election in accordance with state law.

(g) The board of registrars, after verifying the identity of a provisional voter, shall make available at the request of such voter, the findings of the board of registrars as to whether the individual’s provisional ballot was counted and, if not, the reason why. This may be accomplished by telephone, by letter, or by secured electronic means. The Secretary of State shall provide a secure means for provisional voters to verify by electronic means whether the individual’s vote was counted and, if not, the reason why. There shall be no charge to the provisional voters for obtaining this information.

(h) The Secretary of State, by rule, may address the means of identifying ballots cast by particular provisional voters by the appointing board and the method of providing confidentiality and security to communications with provisional voters seeking information about the status of their ballot. Notice of any proposed rule or amendment to an existing rule relating to provisional balloting shall be sent by certified mail to every judge of probate at least 30 days prior to certification of the proposed rule or amendment under the Administrative Procedure Act.

 

Section 17-10-3

Voting in precinct, etc., where elector’s name does not appear on official list.

It shall be unlawful for any elector to cast his or her ballot during any general election, primary election, municipal election or special election in any precinct, any district, any ward, or any other subdivision where his or her name does not duly appear upon the official list of the precinct, district, ward, or subdivision. All ballots cast in any election contrary to this section are hereby declared illegal and, upon a contest duly instituted, the ballots shall be excluded in determining the final result of any election; provided, that nothing in this section shall prevent any qualified elector residing in the precinct, ward, or voting district from voting after presenting a proper certificate from the board of registrars, or from voting a provisional ballot or a provisional ballot in municipal elections when his or her name does not duly appear upon the official list of the precinct, district, ward, or subdivision.

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Title 17 – Chapter 11

Chapter 11 – ABSENTEE VOTING

Article 1. General Provisions

 

Section 17-11-1

“Circuit clerk” defined.

As used in this chapter, “circuit clerk” includes any successor in function to the circuit clerk.

 

Section 17-11-2

Absentee election manager.

In each county there shall be an “absentee election manager,” who shall fulfill the duties assigned by this chapter. The circuit clerk of the county shall, at his or her option, be the absentee election manager. If the circuit clerk of the county declines the duties of absentee election manager, the appointing board shall thereupon appoint an absentee election manager, who shall be a person qualified by training and experience, who is a qualified elector of the county and who is not a candidate in the election to perform the duties assigned by this chapter. The county commission shall designate the place or office where such duties shall be performed. Such place or office shall be open on the days and during the hours as that of the circuit clerk prior to each election. Any person so appointed shall have all the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the circuit clerk for the purposes of this chapter, including the power to administer oaths. Such powers, duties, and responsibilities shall terminate when the election results are certified. The absentee election manager or circuit clerk shall be entitled to the same compensation for the performance of his or her duties as is provided in Section 17-11-14.

 

Section 17-11-3

Absentee balloting generally.

NOTE: As of March 18, 2020, 830-2-3-.06-.01ER: any qualified voter who determines it is impossible or unreasonable to vote at their polling place for the upcoming primary election to vote absentee under the physical illness excuse provision. Voters are still required to submit an application with proper identification.

(a) Any qualified elector of this state may apply for and vote an absentee ballot by mail, by hand delivery, or by commercial carrier, as determined by rule by the Secretary of State, as provided in Sections 17-11-5 and 17-11-9, in any primary, general, special, or municipal election, if he or she makes application in writing therefor not less than five days prior to the election in which he or she desires to vote and meets one or more of the following requirements:

(1) The person expects to be out of the county or the state, or the municipality for municipal elections, on election day.

(2) The person has any physical illness or infirmity which prevents his or her attendance at the polls, whether he or she is within or without the county on the day of the election.

(3) The person expects to work a shift which has at least 10 hours which coincide with the hours the polls are open at his or her regular polling place.

(4) The person is enrolled as a student at an educational institution located outside the county of his or her personal residence, attendance at which prevents his or her attendance at the polls.

(5) The person is a member of, or spouse or dependent of a member of, the Armed Forces of the United States or is similarly qualified to vote absentee pursuant to the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 42 U.S.C. 1973ff.

(6) The person has been appointed as an election officer or named as a poll watcher at a polling place other than his or her regular polling place.

(7) The person is a caregiver for a family member to the second degree of kinship by affinity or consanguinity and the family member is confined to his or her home.

(8) The person is incarcerated in prison or jail and has not been convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude, as provided in Section 17-3-30.1.

(b) An applicant for an absentee ballot who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, including the Alabama National Guard, the United States Naval Reserves, the United States Air Force Reserves, and the United States Army Reserve on active duty or active duty for training or an applicant who is the spouse of any member of the armed forces or any other applicant qualified to vote absentee pursuant to the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1973ff, may make application for an absentee ballot by filling out the federal postcard application form, authorized and provided for under the provisions of The Federal Voting Assistance Act of 1955, Public Law 296, Chapter 656, H.R. 4048, approved August 9, 1955, 84th Congress 1st Session.

(c) Any registered elector who requires emergency treatment of a licensed physician within five days of an election may apply for an emergency absentee ballot for the election and may vote by returning the absentee ballot no later than noon on the day the election is held. The attendant physician shall describe and certify the circumstances as constituting an emergency on a special form designed by the Secretary of State and provided by his or her office to local absentee election managers. The special form shall be attached to the application.

(d)

(1) Any registered elector whose name appears on the poll list of qualified voters may vote by an emergency absentee ballot if any of the following situations arise:

a. The elector is required by his or her employer under unforeseen circumstances within five days before an election to be unavailable to vote at the polls on election day.

b. The elector is a caregiver of a person who requires emergency treatment by a licensed physician within five days before an election.

c. A family member to the second degree of kinship by affinity or consanguinity of an elector dies within five days before an election.

(2) Under such circumstances, the elector shall apply for an emergency absentee ballot at the office of the absentee election manager no later than the close of the business day one day prior to the election. The applicant shall complete and file an application form designed by the Secretary of State for emergency absentee voters. The form shall contain an affidavit which the applicant shall sign or swear acknowledging that he or she was not aware of the situation constituting the emergency prior to five days before the election. An applicant who meets the requirements of this subsection may vote by an emergency absentee ballot. After voting the ballot, the voter shall hand the ballot to the absentee election manager.

(e) If the occurrence of a state of emergency as declared in this or any other state, or by the federal government, renders substantial compliance with this article impossible or unreasonable for a group of qualified voters who respond to the emergency, the Secretary of State, pursuant to Section 41-22-5, may adopt an emergency rule to allow those qualified voters to vote by absentee ballot. Notwithstanding any other laws to the contrary, all expenses and costs incurred by the state or any county in carrying out the responsibilities and duties included in an emergency rule adopted pursuant to this subsection shall be paid by the State of Alabama from any funds made available for election expenses under state and federal law.

(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of otherwise applicable law, in the event more than one absentee ballot is cast in the name of the single voter, whether any such multiple ballot is cast by mail or otherwise, none of the affidavit envelopes containing the multiple ballots shall be opened, and none of the multiple ballots shall be counted, except in the event of an election contest, upon the order of the election contest tribunal. Upon the conclusion of an election contest or, in the event no such contest is filed, upon the expiration of time for filing such a contest, the multiple ballots shall be provided to the district attorney, with photocopies provided to the state Attorney General, for the investigation, prosecution, or other action as may be appropriate under applicable law.

 

Section 17-11-3.1

Qualified voter with permanent disability preventing attendance at polls.

(a) Notwithstanding Sections 17-11-3, 17-11-4, and 17-11-5, a qualified voter who has a permanent disability preventing his or her attendance at the polls may vote by absentee ballot in accordance with this section.

(b) The Secretary of State shall adopt rules that provide a process for a voter who has a permanent disability to be placed on an absentee voter list and have a ballot automatically mailed to him or her before each election. The rules shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(1) An application procedure for permanently disabled voters to vote by absentee ballot on an on-going basis. The procedure shall require that the application form be signed and notarized by the disabled voter’s primary physician.

(2) A procedure for verifying the identity of a voter and determining that the voter has a permanent disability preventing his or her attendance at the polls.

(3) A procedure for the voter to apply to the absentee ballot manager on an annual basis.

(4) A procedure for automatically mailing absentee ballots before each election in a timely manner to permanently disabled voters who have been placed on the absentee voter list.

 

Section 17-11-4

Form and contents of application; signature of applicant; filing of application.

The application required in Section 17-11-3 shall be filed with the person designated to serve as the absentee election manager. The application shall be in a form prescribed and designed by the Secretary of State and shall be used throughout the state. Notwithstanding the foregoing, handwritten applications can also be accepted at any time prior to the five-day deadline to receive absentee ballot applications as provided in Section 17-11-3. The application shall contain sufficient information to identify the applicant and shall include the applicant’s name, residence address, or such other information necessary to verify that the applicant is a registered voter. The application shall also list all felonies of moral turpitude, as provided in Section 17-3-30.1. Any applicant may receive assistance in filling out the application as he or she desires, but each application shall be manually signed by the applicant and, if he or she signs by mark, the name of the witness to his or her signature shall be signed thereon. The application may be handed by the applicant to the absentee election manager or forwarded to him or her by United States mail or by commercial carrier, as determined by rule by the Secretary of State. An application for a voter who requires emergency treatment by a licensed physician within five days before an election pursuant to Section 17-11-3 may be forwarded to the absentee election manager by the applicant or his or her designee. Application forms that are printed and made available to any applicant by the absentee election manager shall have printed thereon all penalties provided for any violation of this chapter. The Secretary of State shall provide applications for absentee voting to military and overseas voters in accordance with Section 17-4-35.

 

Section 17-11-5

Delivery of absentee ballots; maintenance of voter lists.

(a) Upon receipt of an application for an absentee ballot as provided in Section 17-11-3, if the applicant’s name appears on the list of qualified voters produced from the state voter registration list in the election to be held, or if the applicant qualifies for a provisional absentee ballot, the absentee election manager shall furnish the absentee ballot to the applicant by: (1) Forwarding it by United States mail to the applicant’s or voter’s residence address or, upon written request of the voter, to the address where the voter regularly receives mail; or (2) by handing the absentee ballot to the applicant in person or, in the case of emergency voting when the applicant requires medical treatment, his or her designee in person. If the absentee election manager has reasonable cause to believe that the applicant has given a fraudulent address on the application for the absentee ballot, the absentee election manager shall turn over the ballot application to the district attorney for any action which may be necessary under this chapter. The absentee election manager may require additional proof of an applicant’s eligibility to vote absentee when there is evidence of continuous absentee voting. The absentee election manager shall mail any absentee ballot requested to be mailed as provided in Section 17-11-3 no later than the next business day after an application has been received unless the absentee ballots have not been delivered to the absentee election manager. If the absentee ballots have not been so delivered, the absentee election manager shall hold all requests until the ballots are delivered and shall then respond by placing ballots in the mail no later than the next business day.

(b) The official list of qualified voters shall be furnished to the absentee election manager by the judge of probate using a printout from the state voter registration list of registered voters for that county containing voter registration information useful in the identification of absentee voters. The information provided in this report shall be established by rules adopted by the Secretary of State with the advice of the Alabama Circuit Court Clerks Association or its members and shall indicate whether the individual is obligated to produce identification in accordance with Sections 17-9-30 and 17-10-1. The Secretary of State may further provide by administrative rule for electronic access to this list for optional use by the absentee election manager. This list shall be made available beginning at least 55 days before the election. In municipal elections, the official list of qualified voters shall be furnished to the absentee election manager at least 35 days before the election. Any supplemental list of qualified electors shall also be provided to the absentee election manager as soon as the list becomes available. The absentee election manager shall underscore on the list the name of each voter who has applied for an absentee ballot and shall write immediately beside his or her name the word “absentee.” The Secretary of State by rule may provide for electronic access to the absentee election manager’s county list of registered voters in lieu of the printed list and for the method of identifying applicants for absentee ballots in conjunction with the state voter registration list.

(c)

(1) The list of electors voting by absentee ballot shall remain confidential until the day following the election. The absentee election manager in all elections shall deliver to the board of registrars the day following the election, a copy of the list of all absentee voters, at which point the list is deemed a public record. The list shall be maintained in the office of the circuit clerk for 60 days after the election, at which time it shall be delivered to the judge of probate. Before the polls open at any election on election day, the absentee election manager shall effectuate the delivery to the election officers of each voting place a list showing the name and address of every person whose name appears on the official list of qualified electors for the voting place who applied for an absentee ballot in the election. The name of the person who applied for an absentee ballot shall be identified as an absentee voter on the list of qualified electors kept at the voting place, and the person shall not vote again, except that in county, state, and federal elections the person may vote a provisional ballot. Applications for absentee ballots are required for elections that are more than 42 days apart, except as to individuals voting pursuant to the federal Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act, 42 U.S.C. 1973ff.

(2) The absentee election manager shall redact any information required to be redacted pursuant to Section 17-4-33 from any copy of an absentee voter list. This subdivision shall not affect poll lists used at local precincts.

(d) For individuals voting pursuant to the federal Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act, 42 U.S.C. 1973ff, the Secretary of State, by rule, shall prescribe use of standardized military and overseas voter registration applications and applications for absentee ballots adopted by the United States government. The Secretary of State shall also prescribe by rule provisions within the standard state application form for absentee voting which permit the voter to identify himself or herself as a military or overseas voter. Unless otherwise indicated by the military or overseas voter, an application for an absentee ballot by such a voter shall remain valid for any election for a federal, state, or county office or for any proposed constitutional amendment or a state or county referendum held through the end of the calendar year in which the application is filed, provided that if an election cycle begins one year and continues into the subsequent year, the application shall be valid for the whole election cycle. The absentee election manager shall provide an absentee ballot to the military and overseas voters for each such subsequent election. The absentee election manager, within seven days after each regularly scheduled general election for federal office, shall report the number of military and overseas ballots mailed out and the number of ballots received to the Secretary of State, who shall report this information to the Federal Election Assistance Commission within 90 days of each regularly scheduled general election for federal office.

Section 17-11-6

Form of absentee ballots.

The official ballots for any election to which this chapter pertains shall be in the same form as the official regular ballots for the election, except that they shall have printed thereon the words, “Official Absentee Ballot.”

 

Section 17-11-7

Form of affidavit to be printed on envelope – General, special, or municipal elections.

(a) Each absentee ballot shall be accompanied by an envelope upon which shall be printed an affidavit.

(b) With respect to an absentee ballot cast pursuant to Section 17-11-3, the affidavit shall read as follows:

“State of Alabama

County of ___________

I, the undersigned, do swear (or affirm) that:

My place of residence in Alabama is:  ________(street)

___(city or town)______, Alabama __(zip code)______

My date of birth is: ____________________
month day year

I am entitled to vote an absentee ballot because:

Check at least one:
___ I expect to be out of the county or the state on election day.

___ I am physically incapacitated and will not be able to vote in person on election day.

___ I expect to work a required workplace shift which has at least 10 hours which coincide with the polling hours at my regular polling place.

___ I am a student at an educational institution located outside the county of my permanent residence and am therefore unable to vote at my usual polling place on election day.

___ I am a member of or a spouse or dependent of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or am otherwise entitled to vote pursuant to the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 42 U.S.C. 1973ff.

___I have been appointed as an election officer at a polling place which is not my regular polling place.

___ I will be out of the county on election day responding to a state of emergency as declared by this state or any other state, or by the federal government.

___ I am a caregiver for a family member to the second degree of kinship by affinity or consanguinity and the family member is confined to his or her home.

___ I am currently incarcerated in prison or jail and I have not been convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude.

I further swear (or affirm) that I have not voted nor will I vote in person in the election to which this ballot pertains.

I have marked the enclosed absentee ballot voluntarily and I have read or had read to me and understand the instructions accompanying this ballot and I have carefully complied with such instructions.

Moreover, I further swear (or affirm) that all of the information given above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and that I understand that by knowingly giving false information so as to vote illegally by absentee ballot that I shall be guilty of a misdemeanor which is punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) or confinement in the county jail for not more than six months, or both.

(Signature or mark of voter.)

(Printed name of voter.)

IF YOUR AFFIDAVIT IS NOT SIGNED (OR MARKED), AND IF YOUR AFFIDAVIT IS NOT WITNESSED BY TWO WITNESSES 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER OR A NOTARY PUBLIC OR OTHER OFFICER AUTHORIZED TO ACKNOWLEDGE OATHS, PRIOR TO BEING DELIVERED OR MAILED TO THE ABSENTEE ELECTION MANAGER, YOUR BALLOT WILL NOT BE COUNTED.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this _____ day of _____, 2__.

I certify that the affiant is known (or made known) to me to be the identical party he or she claims to be.

(Signature of official)
(Title of official)
____________________
(Address of official)

OR

1st Witness

Signature

Print name

Address

City     Zip Code

2nd Witness

Signature

Print name

Address

City      Zip Code”

(c) Unless running unopposed, a candidate may not witness or notarize any absentee ballot.

 

Section 17-11-8

Form of affidavit to be printed on envelope – Primary elections.

The form of the affidavit which shall be printed on the envelope used in primary elections shall be the same as that used in general, special, and municipal elections; except, that the following sentence shall be added and inserted therein immediately above the signature of the voter:

“I am a member of the ________ Party and subscribe to all conditions and qualifications laid down by that party’s committee as a requisite for participation in the election ________ (Signature of Voter).”

Such affidavit shall be sworn to in the same manner and form as in general, special, and municipal elections.

 

Section 17-11-9

Materials furnished with ballot; delivery of ballot to absentee election manager.

Each prospective absentee voter who meets the requirements of this chapter shall be furnished with the absentee ballot herein provided for, together with two envelopes for returning his or her marked ballot and instructions for completing and returning the absentee ballot as well as instructions for correcting mistakes in completing ballots or obtaining a replacement ballot. One envelope shall be a plain envelope in which the ballot shall be sealed by the voter after he or she has marked it.

The second envelope shall have the voter’s affidavit printed on the back and shall be large enough to seal the plain ballot envelope inside. The second envelope shall also be a return mail envelope.

Such return mail envelope shall be addressed on the front to the absentee election manager and shall be endorsed on the left-hand upper corner thereof as follows:

“Absent Voter’s Ballot. State, County, Municipal, General, Primary, or Special Election (as the case may be) to be held on the ___ day of ____, 2__ From ______ (name of voter), precinct or districts _________, County of _______, Alabama.”

After marking the ballot and subscribing the oath herein required, the voter shall seal his or her ballot in the plain envelope, place that plain envelope inside the affidavit envelope, complete the affidavit, have a notary public (or other officer authorized to acknowledge oaths) or two witnesses witness his or her signature to the affidavit, and forward it by United States mail to the absentee election manager or hand it to him or her in person.

Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, the absentee election manager shall determine whether an applicant for an absentee ballot is obligated to produce identification in accordance with Sections 17-9-30 and 17-10-1 or reidentify in accordance with Chapter 4. For absentee applicants required to produce identification, a third envelope of different color and sufficient size to enclose the first and second envelopes shall be provided to the applicant along with instructions for including a proper form of identification in accordance with Sections 17-9-30 and 17-10-1.

For absentee applicants required to reidentify because they do not appear in the voting place for which they seek to vote but do appear in another voting place within the state voter registration list, the absentee election manager shall provide to the voter a third envelope of different color and sufficient size to enclose the first and second envelopes along with a voter reidentification form, a provisional voter affirmation, and instructions in accordance with Section 17-10-2. Such ballot shall be treated as a provisional ballot and the term “Provisional” shall be marked on the second or affidavit envelope prior to transmitting the ballot to the voter. Applicants for an absentee ballot who do not appear on the state voter registration list shall not be entitled to an absentee ballot.

 

Section 17-11-10

Procedure upon receipt of ballot by absentee election manager; counting of ballots.

(a) Upon receipt of the absentee ballot, the absentee election manager shall record its receipt thereof on the absentee list as provided in Section 17-11-5 and shall safely keep the ballot without breaking the seal of the affidavit envelope.

(b) For absentee ballots received by noon on the day of the election, the absentee election manager shall, beginning at noon, deliver the sealed affidavit envelopes containing absentee ballots to the election officials provided for in Section 17-11-11. The election officials shall then call the name of each voter casting an absentee ballot with poll watchers present as may be provided under the laws of Alabama and shall examine each affidavit envelope to determine if the signature of the voter has been appropriately witnessed. If the witnessing of the signature and the information in the affidavit establish that the voter is entitled to vote by absentee ballot, then the election officials shall certify the findings, open each affidavit envelope, and deposit the plain envelope containing the absentee ballot into a sealed ballot box.

No poll worker or other election official shall open an affidavit envelope if the envelope indicates the ballot is an unverified provisional ballot or the affidavit printed thereon is unsigned by the voter or unmarked, and no ballot envelope or ballot therein may be removed or counted. No poll worker or other election official shall open an affidavit envelope if the voter’s affidavit signature or mark is not witnessed by the signatures of two witnesses or a notary public, or other officer, including a military commissioned officer, authorized to acknowledge oaths, and no ballot envelope or ballot therein may be removed or counted. The provision for witnessing of the voter’s affidavit signature or mark in Section 17-11-7 goes to the integrity and sanctity of the ballot and election. No court or other election tribunal shall allow the counting of an absentee ballot with respect to which the voter’s affidavit signature or mark is not witnessed by the signatures of two witnesses 18 years of age or older or a notary public, or other officer, including a military commissioned officer, authorized to acknowledge oaths, prior to being delivered or mailed to the absentee election manager.

Upon closing of the polls, the absentee ballots shall be counted and otherwise handled in all respects as if the absentee voter were present and voting in person.

Precinct ballot counters may be used to count absentee ballots. Absentee election officials are to be appointed and trained in the same manner as prescribed for regular election officials. The number of absentee election officials shall be determined by the number of precinct counters provided. The county commission may provide more than one precinct ballot counter based upon the recommendation of the absentee election manager. Beginning not earlier than noon on election day, the absentee election officials shall perform the duties prescribed in Section 17-11-11.

As regards municipalities with populations of less than 10,000, in the case of municipal elections held at a time different from a primary or general election, the return mail envelopes containing the ballots shall be delivered to the election official of the precinct of the respective voters, unless the city or town having a population of less than 10,000 inhabitants has, by permanent ordinance adopted six months prior to the municipal election, established a procedure for the appointment of absentee election officials pursuant to subsection (c) of Section 11-46-27.

(c) Absentee ballots cast in a second primary election for federal, state, or county office by individuals voting pursuant to the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 42 U.S.C. 1973ff et seq., and received after noon on the day of the second primary election, shall be opened and counted at the same time as the verified provisional ballots. At noon seven days after the second primary election, the absentee election manager shall deliver the sealed affidavit envelopes containing absentee ballots to the officials provided for in subsection (f) of Section 17-10-2. The officials shall call the name of each voter casting an absentee ballot in the presence of watchers designated by any interested candidates and shall examine each affidavit envelope to determine if the signature of the voter has been appropriately witnessed. If the witnessing of the signature and the information in the affidavit establish that the voter is entitled to vote by absentee ballot, then the election officials shall certify the findings, open each affidavit envelope, and deposit the plain envelope containing the absentee ballot into a sealed ballot box.

No election official shall open an affidavit envelope if the affidavit printed thereon is unsigned by the voter or unmarked, and no ballot envelope or ballot therein may be removed or counted. No election official shall open an affidavit envelope if the voter’s affidavit signature or mark is not witnessed by the signatures of two witnesses or a notary public, or other officer, including a military commissioned officer, authorized to acknowledge oaths, and no ballot envelope or ballot therein may be removed or counted. The provision for witnessing of the voter’s affidavit signature or mark in Section 17-11-7 goes to the integrity and sanctity of the ballot and election. No court or other election tribunal shall allow the counting of an absentee ballot with respect to which the voter’s affidavit signature or mark is not witnessed by the signatures of two witnesses 18 years of age or older or a notary public, or other officer, including a military commissioned officer, authorized to acknowledge oaths, prior to being delivered or mailed to the absentee election manager.

The absentee ballots described in this subsection shall be opened, counted, and tabulated. The results of the absentee ballots counted and tabulated on election day shall be amended to include the results of the absentee ballots described in this subsection.

In all other respects, unless otherwise specifically provided by law, the absentee ballots described in this subsection shall be treated as other absentee ballots.

 

Section 17-11-11

Officials for counting of absentee ballots; poll watchers.

(a) For every primary, general, special, or municipal election, there shall be appointed one inspector and at least three clerks, named and notified as are other election officials under the general laws of the state, who shall meet, at the regular time of closing of the election on that day, in the courthouse, or municipal building for municipal elections, as designated by the absentee election manager for the purpose of counting and returning the ballots cast by absentee voters. The returns from the absentee precinct shall be made as required by law for all other boxes. It shall be unlawful for any election official or other person to publish or make known to anyone the results of the count of absentee votes before the polls close.

(b) Any person or organization authorized to appoint poll watchers under Sections 17-8-7 and 17-13-11 may have a single watcher present at the counting of absentee ballots, with the rights as are conferred by the sections and by any other provisions of state law.

(c) This section shall not apply to municipal elections in cities and towns of less than 10,000 inhabitants which are held at a time different from a primary or general election. These cities or towns may establish a procedure for the appointment of absentee election officials pursuant to subsection (c) of Section 11-46-27 by permanent ordinance adopted six months prior to the municipal election.

 

Section 17-11-12

Delivery of ballots, envelopes, etc. to absentee election manager.

Not less than 55 days prior to the holding of any election, except a municipal election, to which this chapter pertains, or in the case of a runoff primary election, not more than 14 days after the first primary election, the officer charged with the printing and distribution of the official ballots and election supplies shall deliver to the absentee election manager of each county in which the election is held or to the person designated to serve in his or her place a sufficient number of absentee ballots, envelopes, and other necessary supplies. Not more than seven days after the last day to qualify as a candidate in a municipal election, or in the case of a runoff municipal election, not more than 14 days after the first election, or in the case of a municipal election held for a purpose other than the election of municipal officers, not more than seven days after the giving of notice of the election, the officer charged with the printing and distribution of the official ballots and election supplies shall deliver to the absentee election manager of the municipality in which the election is held, or to the person designated to serve in his or her place, a sufficient number of absentee ballots, envelopes, and other necessary supplies. If the absentee election manager is a candidate with opposition in the election, he or she shall immediately, upon receipt of the ballots, envelopes, and supplies, deliver them to the person authorized to act in his or her place, as provided in Section 17-11-13.

 

Section 17-11-13

Disqualification of circuit clerk from serving as absentee election manager.

When the circuit clerk is a candidate for any office and has opposition, he or she shall be disqualified from performing any of the duties imposed by this chapter with reference to the handling of absentee ballots. At least 55 days prior to the election, the circuit clerk shall certify to the appointing board of the county his or her candidacy with opposition and that he or she is disqualified to serve or otherwise prevented from serving. The appointing board shall thereupon appoint a person to serve as absentee election manager in the manner provided for in Section 17-11-2.

 

Section 17-11-14

Compensation of absentee election manager.

The county commission shall determine the amount of compensation to be paid to the absentee election manager or other absentee election manager for the performance of his or her duties with respect to absentee ballots for which his or her services are required during the 55-day period prior to the election, the day of the election, and the seven-day period following the election during which ballots under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act may be returned, but such compensation shall be at least fifty dollars ($50) per day or the same pay as an inspector as authorized under Section 17-8-12, and the total number of days worked may not exceed 46 days. In all counties in which the compensation of absentee election managers is prescribed by local law or general law of local application at an amount in excess of the amount prescribed, the compensation of the absentee election manager shall not be increased or decreased. The amount shall be the total compensation allowed the absentee election manager for duties relating to absentee ballots in all elections held on the same day and shall be paid from the county treasury. Any reimbursement shall be as provided in Chapter 16.

 

Section 17-11-15

Performance of duties of clerk in municipal elections held separate from primary or general election.

In any municipal election that is held at a time different from a primary or general election, the duties with reference to the handling of absentee ballots which are required of the circuit clerk shall be performed by the town clerk, city clerk, or other officer performing the duties of the clerk. If such clerk or other officer is also a candidate in such election, the governing body of the city or town shall appoint a qualified elector of the city or town to perform the duties. Such person so appointed shall have all the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the circuit clerk under this chapter.

 

Section 17-11-16

Costs and expenses generally.

All necessary and proper expenses and costs incurred in the carrying out of the provisions of this chapter for which no special provision is made in this chapter shall be paid for in the same manner as are necessary costs and expenses incurred in the several classes of elections enumerated under this chapter.

 

Section 17-11-18

Time requirements for receipt of absentee ballots.

(a) No absentee ballot shall be opened or counted if received by the absentee election manager by mail, unless postmarked as of the date prior to the day of the election and received by mail no later than noon on the day of election, or, if received by the absentee election manager by hand delivery, unless so delivered by the voter or medical emergency designee to the absentee election manager not later than the close of the last business day next preceding the election or, if delivered by the medical emergency designee, by noon on the day of the election.

(b) The above provision does not apply in the case of individuals voting absentee pursuant to the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), 42 U.S.C. 1973ff, when those individuals are voting in a primary, second primary, general, or special election for a federal, state, or county office or proposed constitutional amendment or other referenda. In the case of UOCAVA voters voting absentee in a primary, second primary, general, or special election for a federal, state, or county office or proposed constitutional amendment or other referenda, no absentee ballot shall be opened or counted, if received by the absentee election manager by mail, unless postmarked as of the day of the primary, second primary, general, or special election and received by mail no later than noon seven days after the primary, second primary, general, or special election.

 

Section 17-11-19

Statements required from persons or entities supplying election materials; return of unused election materials.

Each person, firm, or entity supplying to any county or municipality any absentee affidavit envelopes, absentee ballots, or other absentee election materials in connection with any primary, general, special, or municipal election shall, at the time of the shipment or delivery of the same, provide to the county or municipality, and to the Secretary of State, an itemized and signed statement showing a description and the quantity of each item so shipped or delivered. Upon the conclusion of the election, the absentee election manager shall return all unused absentee election materials to the sheriff of the respective county along with an itemized, signed statement showing the description and quantity of each item of absentee election material not utilized by the county or municipality in the election then concluded, and the unused absentee election materials shall be maintained for the period of time prescribed by applicable law and, in no event, less than 18 months.

 

Article 2 Overseas Absentee Voting.

 

Section 17-11-40

Definitions.

For the purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) COMMITTEE. The Alabama Electronic Overseas Voting Advisory Committee.

(2) OVERSEAS VOTER. Includes all of the following:

1. A member of the uniformed services while in the active service, or an eligible spouse or dependent of such a member, who is a permanent resident of the state and is temporarily residing outside of the territorial limits of the United States and the District of Columbia, who is qualified and registered to vote as provided by law.
2. A member of the Merchant Marine of the United States, or an eligible spouse or dependent of such a member, who is a permanent resident of the state and is temporarily residing outside of the territorial limits of the United States and the District of Columbia, who is qualified and registered to vote as provided by law.
3. Any other citizen of the United States who is a permanent resident of the state and is temporarily residing outside of the territorial limits of the United States and the District of Columbia, who is qualified and registered to vote as provided by law.

 

Section 17-11-41

Alabama Electronic Overseas Voting Advisory Committee.

(a) The Alabama Electronic Overseas Voting Advisory Committee is created to determine whether secure electronic means may be established for conducting absentee voting for overseas voters and to advise and assist the office of the Secretary of State in the establishment, testing, and implementation of absentee overseas balloting by secure electronic means.

(b) The membership of the committee shall include all of the following:

(1) The Secretary of State as chair.

(2) A representative of the Alabama Sheriff’s Association appointed by that association.

(3) A representative of the Alabama Probate Judge’s Association appointed by that association.

(4) A representative of the Alabama Circuit Clerks Association appointed by that association.

(5) A representative of the Alabama National Guard appointed by the Adjutant General.

(6) The Chair of the Senate Constitution, Campaign Finance, Ethics, and Elections Committee.

(7) The Chair of the House Constitution and Elections Committee.

(8) A representative of the county boards of registrars appointed by the Secretary of State.

(9) A representative of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama appointed by that association.

(10) One person appointed by the Governor.

(11) One person appointed by the Attorney General.

(12) The Director of the Alabama State Department of Veterans Affairs.

(13) The Executive Director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for the State of Alabama.

(c) The membership of the committee shall be inclusive and reflect the racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state. The committee shall annually report to the Legislature by the second legislative day of each regular session the extent to which the committee has complied with the diversity provisions provided for in this article. Members of the committee shall be appointed July 9, 2011, and shall serve without compensation but shall be eligible for reimbursement for necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.

(d) The chair of the committee shall convene an organizational meeting of the committee by July 24, 2011.

(e) For the purposes of this committee, eight members present at a meeting shall constitute a quorum.

 

Section 17-11-42

Rules; requirements; minimum criteria.

(a) If the committee determines a secure electronic means may be established for conducting overseas absentee voting, the Secretary of State shall promulgate rules proposed by the committee to provide that option to eligible overseas voters. The Secretary of State may veto any rule proposed by the committee, may resubmit any vetoed proposed rule to the committee, and may provide an alternative rule for consideration by the committee. In the event that the Secretary of State and the committee are unable to jointly recommend a rule, or are unable to agree on a rule, the Secretary of State shall submit both the proposed rule of the committee and the proposed rule of the Secretary of State to the Joint Committee on Administrative Regulation Review for comment. The Joint Committee on Administrative Regulation Review, after review, shall return the proposed rules, with comments, to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State shall proceed to adopt a rule pursuant to the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act. The rules for conducting overseas absentee voting by secure remote electronic transmission shall authorize the absentee election manager, as defined in Section 17-11-2, to accept requests for absentee ballots and voted absentee ballots from overseas voters and provide a process for verifying the identity of a voter, ensuring the security of the transmission, accepting a voted ballot, and recording each ballot received.

(b) Before overseas absentee voting may be conducted pursuant to this article, the committee, among other factors, shall consider all of the following:

(1) A timetable and process for notifying eligible overseas voters of the availability of voting an absentee ballot by secure remote electronic transmission.

(2) Detailed instructions to be given eligible overseas voters regarding voting by secure remote electronic transmission.

(3) A timetable for the conduct of elections utilizing the electronic transmission of absentee ballots.

(4) A method of providing blank ballots to overseas voters.

(5) A method and criteria for returning overseas voted absentee ballots to the absentee election manager.

(6) Procedures for ensuring the physical security of the remote voting site for receipt and transmission of blank and voted absentee ballots.

(c) Pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary of State, by rule adopted pursuant to the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act, shall establish minimum criteria to ensure the secure remote electronic transmission of election materials including, but not limited to:

(1) The use of encrypted information, including, but not limited to, ballots, passwords, and both public and private encryption keys.

1. 1. A public or private key encryption methodology shall include key generation under the control of the Secretary of State.
   2. A password protected private key shall be held secure by the county appointing board and never transmitted or otherwise divulged by any means.
   3. A password protected private key that is unique for each eligible overseas voter to digitally sign the ballot for transmission and storage before decryption by the canvassing board.

(2) The capability for auditing the secure remote voting application source code, and the capability for this application to be executed on a clean computer which, at a minimum, has a baseline operating system on its hard disk and no other software or driver installed.

(3) The capability to secure access to and from the overseas voter and the voting server or the voting database platform, or both.

(4) The verification of the authenticity of the identity of the overseas voter before granting access to the transmission of election material.

(5) The capability for the overseas voter to determine that the secure transmission of election material was successful.

(6) The capability for the absentee election manager to segregate rejected ballots before decryption.

(7) The capability to record election material received by secure transmission.

(8) The capability for the absentee election manager to produce a marked paper ballot for each vote cast by secure transmission.

 

Section 17-11-43

Request for overseas ballot.

(a) In determining the requirements for a request for an overseas absentee ballot, the committee and the Secretary of State shall consider including the following information:

(1) The name of the voter requesting the ballot.

(2) The legal Alabama residence of the voter.

(3) The date of birth of the voter.

(4) One of the following:

a. An APO/FPO or other deliverable overseas address, if the overseas voter requests that the ballot be mailed.

b. A facsimile machine number where return information shall be received, if the overseas voter requests that the ballot be faxed. If the voter requests facsimile transmission, his or her signature is also required.

c. An electronic mail address, if the overseas voter requests that the ballot be transmitted pursuant to electronic mail.

d. A signed application for an electronic ballot if the overseas voter requests that the ballot be transmitted or accessed by other secure electronic means approved by rule of the Secretary of State.

(b) A request for a ballot to be faxed to an overseas voter shall remain valid for 12 months, unless a shorter length of time is requested by the overseas voter.

(c) The absentee election manager and the staff of the absentee election manager shall ensure the confidentiality of all voted ballots, including voted ballots received by facsimile.

 

Section 17-11-43.1

Use of federal write-in absentee ballots by overseas voters.

A person who votes by absentee ballot pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 42 U.S.C. 1973ff, may use a federal write-in absentee ballot as provided in 42 U.S.C. 1973ff-2 for casting his or her vote in any primary, primary runoff, general, or special election for federal, state, or county office or proposed constitutional amendment or other referenda. The Secretary of State may promulgate rules in accordance with the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act to implement this section.

 

Section 17-11-44

Receipt of request.

In determining the requirements for receipt of a request for an overseas absentee ballot, the committee and the Secretary of State shall consider verification by the absentee election manager of the information provided, a determination that the overseas voter is qualified and registered to vote in the election, and the provision of:

(1) An absentee ballot.

(2) Instructions for voting.

(3) Instructions for returning the voted ballot.

(4) An overseas voter certificate.

 

Section 17-11-45

Procedure for return of voted ballot.

The committee and the Secretary of State shall determine the procedures whereby an overseas voter may return a voted ballot.

 

Section 17-11-46

Overseas voter certificate.

In determining the requirements for an overseas voter certificate, the committee and the Secretary of State shall consider including information including the following:

“OVERSEAS VOTER CERTIFICATE

“I, ______________ (print name), swear or affirm, under penalty of perjury, that:

“1. I am a member of the uniformed services or Merchant Marine on active duty temporarily residing outside the United States; or the eligible spouse or dependent of such a member temporarily residing outside the United States; or a United States citizen temporarily residing outside the United States; and

“2. I am a United States citizen, at least 18 years of age, as of the date of the applicable election, and eligible to vote in the requested jurisdiction; and

“3. I have not been convicted of a disqualifying felony or been adjudicated mentally incompetent or, if I have, my voting rights have been reinstated; and

“4. I am not registering, requesting a ballot, or voting in any other jurisdiction in the United States, except the jurisdiction cited in this voting form.

“In voting, I have marked and sealed my ballot in private and have not allowed any person to observe my marking of the ballot, except for those authorized to assist overseas voters under state or federal law. I have not been influenced in marking my ballot. My signature and date below indicate when I completed this certificate. The information on this form is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that a material misstatement of fact in completion of this document may constitute grounds for a conviction for perjury.

“Signed: ________________ Date: _____”

 

Section 17-11-47

Instructions.

The committee and the Secretary of State may draft instructions to be included when an absentee ballot is sent to an overseas voter, including, but not limited to, the following instructions:

“(1) To ensure that your absentee ballot is counted, it should be completed and returned to the absentee election manager of the county of registration as soon as possible, and not later than 12:00 noon on the day of the election.

“(2) The ballot should be marked in secret.

“(3) Only the number of candidates or issue choices indicated on the ballot should be marked. If the ballot instructs a voter to “vote for one” candidate, and you vote for more than one candidate, your vote in that race will not be counted.

“(4) For your ballot to be counted, you must also complete an overseas voter certificate, which includes your signature. Failure to include your signature will result in your ballot not being counted.

“(5) An overseas voted absentee ballot may be returned to the absentee election manager by facsimile, mail, commercial ground or air carrier, or secure remote electronic access, if such option is approved by the Secretary of State. An overseas voted absentee ballot returned by standard electronic mail shall be rejected.

“(6) If faxed, the voted absentee ballot and overseas voter certificate shall be faxed to the number provided by the absentee election manager or to a facsimile number provided by the Federal Voting Assistance Program of the Department of Defense. If the ballot and certificate are faxed to the number provided by the Federal Voting Assistance Program, the voter should ensure that there is sufficient time for the Federal Voting Assistance Program to transmit the ballot and certificate to the absentee election manager so that it is received no later than 12:00 noon on election day. By faxing a voted ballot, the voter voluntarily waives his or her right to a secret ballot.

“(7) If mailed, the voted absentee ballot and overseas voter certificate shall be mailed to the absentee election manager as follows:

“a. Place the voted ballot in a sealed secrecy envelope, which may have been provided in the original mailing of the ballot by the absentee election manager. Anyone who has received his or her unmarked ballot by facsimile or electronic mail may place his or her voted ballot in an unmarked envelope and seal the envelope.

“b. Insert the secrecy envelope inside a separate mailing envelope. If the ballot was mailed to you, use the mailing envelope provided and fill out the overseas voter certificate on the back of the mailing envelope. If the ballot was faxed to you or sent by electronic mail, place the sealed secrecy envelope and the completed overseas voter certificate in another envelope for mailing. Do not seal the overseas voter certificate in the secrecy envelope with the ballot. The mailing envelope should be clearly marked “Absentee Ballot Enclosed.”

“c. Mail the absentee ballot to the absentee election manager with sufficient postage.

“(8) To vote and transmit a voted absentee ballot and overseas voter certificate by secure remote electronic access, carefully follow the supplemental instructions given to you by the absentee election manager to ensure that your ballot will be counted.

“(9) It is a crime under Alabama law to accept any gift, payment, or gratuity in exchange for your vote for a candidate. It is also a crime under Alabama law to vote in an election using a false identity or false address, or under any other circumstances making your ballot false or fraudulent.”

 

Section 17-11-48

Processing of voted absentee ballots.

The committee and the Secretary of State shall determine the procedures to be followed for the processing of voted absentee ballots received from eligible overseas voters.

 

Section 17-11-49

Witnessing or notarization of absentee ballots.

(a) The Secretary of State is granted authority to adopt requirements related to witnessing or notarization of absentee ballots, voter identification, candidate qualifying, and ballot access procedures, ballot printing, and the application process for absentee balloting in elections for federal, state, county, and municipal offices and constitutional amendments and other referenda to comply with federal law.

(b) The Secretary of State is authorized to extend the deadline for receiving, processing, and counting absentee ballots if absentee ballots are transmitted to qualified absentee voters less than the minimum number of days prior to an election as required by federal law. Absentee election officials utilized for the processing and counting of absentee ballots pursuant to this section shall be appointed in the manner prescribed in Section 17-11-11, and compensated as provided in Section 17-8-12.

 

Section 17-11-50

Emergency procedures and rules.

(a) If a national or local emergency or other situation arises that makes substantial compliance with this article impossible or unreasonable, such as a natural disaster or an armed conflict involving the Armed Forces of the United States, or mobilization of those forces including state National Guard and state reserve components, the Secretary of State may prescribe, by emergency orders or rules, any special procedures or requirements necessary to facilitate absentee voting by those directly affected uniformed services or overseas voters who are eligible to vote in this state.

(b) The Secretary of State shall adopt emergency rules under this section pursuant to the emergency rule requirements of Section 41-22-5(b).

 

Section 17-11-51

Funding.

Notwithstanding any other laws to the contrary, all expenses and costs incurred by the state or any county commission in carrying out the responsibilities and duties required in this article shall be paid by the State of Alabama. All costs associated with this article shall be drawn from funds made available to the Secretary of State under state and federal law to pay all such expenses and costs in all counties regardless of whether a state elective office or referendum appears on the ballot in a particular county.

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Title 17 – Chapter 12

Chapter 12 – CANVASSING RETURNS/DECLARING RESULTS

 

Section 17-12-1

Conclusion of voting; locking of equipment; certificates of result.

When the time arrives for closing the polls, all qualified voters, who are then waiting within the voting room to vote, shall be permitted by the election officers to do so.
After closing the polls and sealing the required records, the precinct election officials shall follow the manufacturer’s instructions to lock the equipment against further voting and to obtain a printout of the votes on each office and question. The first printout shall be torn from the equipment so that all printing during the day, from the initial test before the polls opened through the first printout of results, shall be on one continuous sheet or roll of paper. Then, four other printouts of the results shall be produced and torn out. To each certificate shall be added, if it is not automatically printed, the following information:

(1) The name of the voting place.

(2) The date.

(3) The identifying number (serial number) of the tabulating equipment.

(4) The value of the public counter (indicating the number of votes cast).

(5) The name of each candidate next to the total number of votes cast for that candidate.

(6) The number and short title of each proposition next to the number of votes for and against that proposition.

(7) In general elections only, the number of write-in votes cast in each race on the ballot.

All precinct election officials shall sign each certificate of result.

 

Section 17-12-2

Statements of results.

The authority charged with the holding of an election or primary election shall cause to be prepared a statement of results on a form to be designated by the Secretary of State. The statement of results shall conform with the type of electronic voting machine to be used, and the designating number and letter, if the construction of the electronic voting machine is such as to require a designating number and letter, of each candidate (or proposition) shall be printed next to the candidate’s name on the statement of results. The statements of results shall be preserved by the judge of probate for use in the event of contests.

 

Section 17-12-3

Reserved.

 

Section 17-12-4

Procedures upon malfunction of equipment.

If a precinct ballot counter malfunctions, the polls shall remain open and voters shall deposit their ballots in a ballot box or other suitable container. The inspector shall notify the custodian, who shall maintain a public list of all voting places in which equipment failure has occurred. After the polls close, the ballot box shall be opened and the ballots counted either by hand, as described in Sections 17-12-2 and 17-12-6, or by feeding the ballots into an operable hand precinct ballot counter. Poll watchers of opposing interests and members of the media, if any are present, shall be permitted to witness this process. Where precinct counting equipment is programmed to return ballots containing over-votes, any such ballot returned during a post-election count must be counted by hand following the rules for ballots. The results of this hand count shall be added to the certificate of results, and the ballots shall be bound separately and returned with the other ballots.

 

Section 17-12-5

Retest of equipment.

The judge of probate may order a post-election retest of any precinct ballot counter or memory pack tabulator using the same procedures prescribed for the pre-election test. If the retest shows a malfunction or error in the equipment or its program, the judge of probate shall order a recount at county expense.

 

Section 17-12-6

Counting upon close of polls.

Inspectors of elections in the voting places shall, immediately on the closing of the polls, count the votes polled, and no votes shall be counted until the polls are closed.

 

Section 17-12-7

Preservation of ballots by sheriff.

When no federal elections are on the ballot, the sheriff shall keep the ballots six months in the voted ballot box, without opening or unsealing the voted ballot box, and thereafter destroy the ballots unless within six months the sheriff having them in custody is notified that the election of some officer for which the election was held will be contested, in which case the sheriff must preserve the box containing the ballots cast for such contestant until such contest is finally determined or until such box is demanded by some legally constituted custodian during such contest.

 

Section 17-12-8

Count of votes to be sealed, certified, and delivered to sheriff; public inspection of results.

As soon as the ballots are counted, the inspectors shall ascertain the number of votes received for each person and for what office and shall make a statement of the same in writing, which statement shall be signed by them. They shall also certify in writing on both the clerk’s poll list and the voters’ poll list, that the poll list is the poll list of the voting places at which they were inspectors, the day and year on which the election was held, and for what offices, which certificates shall be signed by them. The clerk’s poll list, as sealed and certified, shall be placed in the records of election containers to be furnished for each voting place. The record of election containers shall be securely sealed and delivered by the precinct returning officer to the sheriff as county returning officer. No later than two hours after the polls are closed, the voting place election results as tabulated by the inspectors shall be posted by the inspectors for public inspection at a place in the county courthouse designated by the judge of probate.

The statement of votes and the poll list delivered to the returning officer of the precinct shall be delivered to the returning officer of the county within two hours of departing the precinct.

 

Section 17-12-9

Delivery of certificates to judge of probate; forwarding to Secretary of State.

The canvassing board must, as soon as they have ascertained the result of an election, make on forms furnished by the Secretary of State certificates stating the exact number of votes cast in the county by voting place for each person voted for and the office for which such person was voted for, and file the certificates with the judge of probate who must immediately forward such certificate to the Secretary of State.

 

Section 17-12-10

Posting of certificate of result.

Immediately after the election the inspectors shall post in front of the polling place a copy of their certificate of the result of the election.

 

Section 17-12-11

Returns of election – How made; duty of judge of probate.

One copy of the certificate of the result of the election shall be signed by the inspector and enclosed in an envelope, which shall then be securely sealed, and the inspector shall write his or her name across every fold at which the envelope, if unfastened, could be opened. The envelope, with certificate enclosed, shall be at once delivered to the judge of probate in the condition received. The judge of probate shall keep and preserve the same unopened until the canvassing board meets to ascertain the result of the election. In case of loss, mutilation, or absence of the original certificate of the result of the election by the inspectors of any voting place, the envelope shall be opened, and the copy therein shall be accepted as a certificate of the result of the election for that voting place. The judge of probate shall preserve a copy of the sealed election returns as a public record at least one year from the date of the election.

 

Section 17-12-12

Returns of election – Sealing, delivery, and disposition of records.

After completing and signing the certificate of result, the election officials shall seal the ballots, certificates, and other records as follows:

(1) Where precinct ballot counters are used:

a. The list of registered voters shall be delivered to the judge of probate for transmittal to the board of registrars for use by the board of registrars in updating their records.

b. The ballot accounting certificate and the first copy of the certificates of result shall be placed in an envelope addressed to the judge of probate who shall keep them for public inspection or election contest, or both.

c. All voted ballots shall be placed in a voted ballot box and sealed. All spoiled ballots, unused ballots, and ballot stubs, one copy of the certificate of results, and the clerk’s poll list (already sealed in a separate envelope) shall be placed in the records of election container which shall be sealed and signed by all election officials. The inspector shall deliver the sealed memory pack to the judge of probate.

d. Each envelope or container shall be sealed and signed across the seal by the inspectors. On the outside of each envelope the inspectors shall record the voting place and date of the election. The envelopes or containers shall remain unopened and be returned by the inspector immediately in the manner provided by law.

e. The State Records Commission shall develop and keep current a schedule for the retention and disposition of election records for the guidance of the officials to whom these records are sent.

(2) In primary elections, the ballots, certificates, and other records shall be distributed as required in general elections except there shall be one canvassing envelope for each party participating in the primary, and the voters’ poll list of each party shall be delivered to the county executive committee of that party to be retained unopened for use in the event of a contest.

 

Section 17-12-13

Procedure; improperly marked ballots.

Except where precinct ballot counters are used in counting the ballots, the inspector must take the ballots, one by one, from the box in which they have been deposited, at the same time reading aloud the names of the persons voted for and the office for which such persons are voted for; the inspector must separately keep a calculation of the number of votes each person receives and for what office he or she receives them; if the elector has marked more names than there are persons to be elected to an office, or if for any reason it is impossible to determine the elector’s choice for any office to be filled, the ballot shall not be counted for such office, but this shall not vitiate the ballot so far as properly marked, nor shall any ballot be rejected for any technical error which does not make it impossible to determine the elector’s choice, and nothing in the election law shall be construed so as to prevent any elector from voting for any qualified person other than those whose names are printed on the ballot.

 

Section 17-12-14

Ballots to be counted, labeled, sealed, and delivered to returning officer.

Except where precinct ballot counters are used, the inspectors must count the ballots deposited in the box, and as soon as all the ballots contained in the box are counted, the inspectors shall roll up the ballots so counted and label the same so as to show for what officer or officers the ballots contained therein were received, and, when so rolled up and labeled, shall be securely sealed; the rejected ballots, if any, shall also be rolled up and labeled as rejected ballots and sealed up as the other parcels; and the packages so sealed up and labeled, together with one poll list, shall also be securely sealed up, shall be returned to and securely fastened up in the box from which such ballots were taken and counted and which shall also be securely sealed and labeled so as to show the nature of its contents and shall be delivered to the sheriff.

 

Section 17-12-15

Time and manner of canvassing.

On the second Friday next after the election, at the hour of 12:00 noon, the sheriff, in person or by deputy, and the judge of probate and the clerk of the circuit court shall assemble at the courthouse; and if there is no such judge or clerk, or if either of them fails to attend, or if either of them is interested by reason of having been a candidate at such election, his or her place must be supplied by a respectable elector of the county, appointed by the board hereinbefore provided for the appointing of the inspectors in the various voting places for the election, at the time of appointing the election inspectors, and if the appointing board fails to provide for such member or members, or if any member or members as herein provided should fail to attend at the time and place herein mentioned, the sheriff shall supply such deficiency by a respectable elector of the county; and if all such officers are of the same political party, then the sheriff must summon three reputable electors of the county, who are members of the opposite political party who are qualified electors, to attend at such time and place; and, in the presence of such other persons as choose to attend, the board shall make a correct statement from the returns of the votes from the several voting places of the county of the whole number of votes given therein for each officer, and the person to whom such votes were given.

 

Section 17-12-16

Certification of results.

Immediately after ascertaining the results of an election for county officers, including members of the House of Representatives of the Legislature, the canvassing board must make in writing a public certification of the result, stating the name of each officer elected and the office to which elected. The certification must be signed by at least two of the members of the canvassing board and must be published by filing the original in the office of the judge of probate, by posting a copy thereof at the courthouse door, and by immediately transmitting a copy to the Secretary of State by fax or electronic transmission. The original certificate shall be recorded by the judge of probate in a book to be provided for the purpose; and the record, or a duly certified copy thereof, shall constitute prima facie evidence of the result of the election and the certification thereof as provided by law.

 

Section 17-12-17

Canvass of election returns by state officials.

All returns of elections required by law to be sent to the Secretary of State must, within 22 days after an election, be opened, counted, and certified in the presence of the Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General, or two of them.

 

Section 17-12-18

Governor proclaims result of certain elections.

Except as to officers provided for in Sections 17-12-16 and 17-12-19, the Governor must immediately declare the results of the election as ascertained in Section 17-12-17 by publishing them in some newspaper at the seat of government.

 

Section 17-12-19

Returns of election of state officers.

The certificates of the canvassing board forwarded to the Secretary of State as to the election of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Auditor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries must be by the judge of probate forwarded to the Governor for the Speaker of the House at least 10 days before the time fixed for the next meeting of the Legislature and must be by the Governor delivered unopened to the Speaker of the House of Representatives upon his or her election.

 

Section 17-12-20

List of registered voters open to inspection.

After having ascertained the result of an election, made declarations thereof, and made the certificates provided for in Sections 17-12-9 and 17-12-16, the board of registrars must file the lists of the registered voters in the office of the judge of probate, which shall be open to the inspection of any elector of the county.

 

Section 17-12-21

Certificates of election to members of Congress and legislators.

The Secretary of State shall, within 10 days after receiving the returns of election from the judge of probate of each county, furnish, from a count of the actual vote cast, as the same appears by the returns certified to him or her, certificates of election to members of the Legislature and to members of Congress.

 

Section 17-12-22

Results of election of state officers; resolution of tie votes.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall, within the first five days of the session of the Legislature, in the presence of a majority of the members of the Legislature, open the returns furnished under Section 17-12-19, ascertain and proclaim the result of such election, after which such returns shall be filed and kept in the office of the Secretary of State, subject to the inspection of any elector of the state. The person having the highest number of votes for either of the offices shall be declared duly elected; but if two or more shall have an equal and the highest number of votes for the same office, the Legislature, by joint vote, without delay, shall choose one of the persons for the office. The duty of the speaker and of the joint conventions, under this section, shall be purely ministerial.

 

Section 17-12-23

How tie vote decided.

In all elections where there is a tie between the two highest candidates for the same office, for all county or precinct offices, it shall be decided by lot by the sheriff of the county in the presence of the candidates; and in the case of the office of circuit judge, senator, representative, or any state officer not otherwise provided for, the Secretary of State shall, in the presence of the Governor, and such other electors as may choose to be present, decide the tie by lot.

 

Section 17-12-24

Penalty for failure to make returns.

If any officer required to make returns of any election to the Secretary of State or to the Speaker of the House of Representatives fails to make such returns within the time prescribed, he or she forfeits to the state five hundred dollars ($500), recoverable by motion to be made by the district attorney of the proper circuit, in the name of the state in the circuit court of the county of such officer required to make the returns, upon three days’ notice of such motion; and the certificate of the Secretary of State or of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as the case may be, setting forth that such return has not been received is presumptive evidence of the failure of such officer to make such return.

 

Section 17-12-25

Notice of failure to make return.

Whenever the return of any officer, required to be made to the Secretary of State or to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, is not received within the time prescribed, the Secretary of State or Speaker of the House of Representatives must give notice thereof to the district attorney of the proper circuit and furnish the district attorney with the certificate specified in Section 17-12-24.

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Title 17 – Chapter 13

Chapter 13 – PRIMARY ELECTIONS
Article 1 General Provisions.

 

Section 17-13-1

“Primary election” defined.

A primary election, including a separate and special presidential preference primary election, within the meaning of this chapter, is an election held by the qualified voters who are members of any political party, for the purpose of nominating a candidate or candidates for public or party office.

 

Section 17-13-2

Applicability of chapter; applicability of general election laws to primary elections.

All primary elections held by any political party in this state for the nomination of any state, national, district, circuit, county, or municipal officer shall be held and conducted under the provisions of this chapter and, except as herein modified, shall be held and conducted in the same manner and form, under the same requirements and subject to the same forfeitures, penalties, and punishments as are now or shall hereafter be provided by law for the holding of regular state elections, but nothing herein contained shall make it obligatory upon any political party or parties to hold a primary election.

 

Section 17-13-3

Time and place for holding primary elections.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), primary elections, except special primary elections and presidential preference primaries, held at the expense of the state or counties, shall be held on the fourth Tuesday in May. When necessary, as provided in this chapter, a second or runoff primary election shall be held on the fourth Tuesday following the primary election. Any second primary shall be held by the same election officers who held the first primary, and be held at the same places as the first primary election. No primary shall be held by any political party except as herein provided. Primary elections herein provided for shall be held at the regular polling places established for the purpose of holding general elections.

(b) In years in which a presidential primary is conducted, the primary election shall be the first Tuesday in March.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in any year in which the primary election is held in March and the primary election is held in conjunction with the presidential preference primary election, as provided in this section and Section 17-13-100, any reference in any existing statutes to a primary election being held in June or May shall be construed to refer to the primary election in March.

 

Section 17-13-4

Payment of compensation of officers and other expenses of elections.

The compensation of officers and other expenses of any and all primary elections, general or special, held under the provisions of this chapter, shall be paid in the same manner and to the same extent as is or may be provided by law for the payment of the expenses and officers of general elections held under the general election laws of Alabama and shall be paid out of the county treasury in the same manner.

 

Section 17-13-5

Filing of declaration of candidacy; certification of names of candidates; preparation of ballots; unopposed candidates.

(a) All candidates for nomination to public office or for election to party office in the primary election provided for in this chapter shall file their declaration of candidacy with the state party chair if they seek any federal, state, circuit, or district office, or the state Senate, House of Representatives, or any other office that is not a county office not later than 5:00 P.M. 116 days before the date of the primary election. All candidates for nomination or election to a county office shall file their declaration with the county party chair not later than 5:00 P.M. 116 days before the date of the primary election.

(b) The state party chair shall, no later than 5:00 P.M. 82 days before the primary election, certify the names of all primary election candidates, except candidates for county offices, to the Secretary of State. The county party chair shall, not later than 5:00 P.M. 82 days prior to the date of the primary election, certify to the judge of probate the names of all candidates for nomination to county offices or election to county party offices. The Secretary of State shall, not less than 74 days prior to the date of the primary election, certify to the judge of probate of every county in which the election is to be held the names of the opposed candidates for nomination to federal, state, circuit, or district offices, the state Senate, House of Representatives, and all other opposed candidates to public or party office, except candidates for county offices.

(c) The judge of probate of each county shall have the ballots prepared for the primary election. If a legally qualified candidate for nomination to an office is unopposed when the last date for filing declarations of candidacy has passed, his or her name shall not appear on the ballots to be used in the primary election, and he or she shall be the nominee of the party with which he or she has qualified for the office. If a legally qualified candidate for election to a party office is unopposed when the last date for filing declarations of candidacy has passed, his or her name shall not appear on the ballots to be used in the primary election, and he or she shall be declared elected to the party office for which he or she qualified.

 

Section 17-13-6

Only qualified candidates to be listed on ballots.

The name of no candidate shall be printed upon any official ballot used at any primary election unless such person is legally qualified to hold the office for which he or she is a candidate and unless he or she is eligible to vote in the primary election in which he or she seeks to be a candidate and possesses the political qualifications prescribed by the governing body of his or her political party.

 

Section 17-13-7

Persons entitled to vote; voter to certify political party preference by signing poll list.

(a) All persons who are qualified electors under the general laws of the State of Alabama and who are also members of a political party and entitled to participate in such primary election under the rules of the party shall be entitled to vote therein and shall receive the official primary ballot of that political party, and no other; but every governing body of a party shall have the right, power, and authority to fix and prescribe the political or other qualifications of its own members and shall, in its own way, declare and determine who shall be entitled and qualified to vote in such primary election or to be candidates therein or to otherwise participate in such political parties and primaries. The qualifications of electors entitled to vote in such primary election shall not necessarily be the same as the qualifications for electors entitled to become candidates therein. Nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to prohibit any state executive committee of a party from fixing such qualifications as it may deem necessary for persons desiring to become candidates for nomination to offices at a primary election.

(b) A political party may require all poll lists for primary elections to state at the top thereof that by participating in the primary election a voter shall indicate a preference for the party holding the primary, and will support the nominees of that party in the general election, and that he or she is qualified under the rules of such party to vote in its primary election. No person shall be eligible to participate in the primary unless he or she signs the poll list and thereby certifies to the truth of the statement.

 

Section 17-13-7.1

Persons entitled to vote in primary runoff elections.

(a) If an elector votes in a primary election, he or she may vote in a subsequent primary runoff election only if he or she voted in the primary election of the same political party for which the runoff election is being held.

(b) The Secretary of State shall promulgate rules to implement this section.

 

Section 17-13-8

Ballots, stationery, and supplies; pledge printed on ballot; spoiling of ballot.

Separate official ballots and other election stationery and supplies for each political party shall be printed and furnished for use at each election district or precinct and shall be of a different color for each of the political parties participating in such primary election. All ballots for the same political party shall be alike, except as herein otherwise provided, printed in plain type and upon paper so thick that the printing cannot be distinguished from the back. Across the top of the ballot shall be printed the party’s emblem, if any, and the words, “Official Primary Election Ballot.” Beneath this heading shall be printed the year in which the election is held and the words “Democratic Party” or “Republican Party” or other proper party designation. Each group of candidates to be voted on shall be preceded by the designation of the office for which the candidates seek nomination, and in the proper place shall be printed the words “Vote for one” or “Vote for two” (or more) according to the number to be elected to such office at the ensuing election.

At the option of a political party at the bottom of the ballot and after the name of the last candidate shall be printed the following: “By casting this ballot I do pledge myself to abide by the result of this primary election and to aid and support all the nominees thereof in the ensuing general election.”

Should any voter scratch out, deface, or in any way mutilate or change the pledge printed on the ballot, the voter shall not be considered or held to have repudiated or to have refused to take the pledge, but shall, conclusively, be presumed and held to have scratched out, defaced, or mutilated or changed the same for the sole purpose of identifying the ballot; and, accordingly, such ballot shall be marked “spoiled ballot” and shall not be counted.

 

Section 17-13-8.1

Instant runoff primary elections in certain situations.

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 17-6-23 and Section 17-13-18, in a primary election or second primary election, this section shall apply only to voters who are voting by absentee ballot pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act in any county or portion thereof in which the nomination for a federal office other than the office of President which is contested by three or more candidates.

(b) The judge of probate shall prepare each of the following:

(1) A special federal ballot to be used in a federal instant runoff primary election. The special federal ballot shall contain a list of all federal offices, other than the office of President, contested by three or more candidates and the candidates qualifying for the election for each office.

(2) A special state ballot for the primary election shall contain the office of President in presidential election years, any federal offices for which there are only two candidates, all state and county offices, the candidates qualifying for the offices, and any referenda to be voted on in the primary election.

(3) A special state ballot for a second primary election, if necessary, shall contain any state or county offices for which a second primary election is required, the candidates qualifying for the offices, and any referenda to be voted on in a second primary election.

(c)

(1) The special federal ballot shall permit the voter to cast a ballot in a federal instant runoff primary election by indicating his or her order of preference for each candidate for each office listed on the ballot.

(2) To indicate his or her order of preference for each candidate for each office, the voter shall mark or put the number one next to the name of the candidate who is his or her first choice, the number two for his or her second choice, and so forth, so that a number indicating the preference of the voter is marked or written by the voter next to the name of the candidate on the ballot. However, the voter is not required to indicate his or her preference for more than one candidate on the ballot if he or she so chooses.

(3) The special federal ballot shall be marked as a special federal instant runoff primary ballot.

(4) Instructions shall be provided with the special federal ballot to the voter explaining the special federal instant runoff voting process.

(5) The special federal ballots shall be counted in the following manner for each office listed on the ballot:

a. In a primary election, the first choice preference of each voter shall be the vote counted as cast by the voter. The total count of first choice preference votes received by each candidate shall be added to the count of votes produced for the candidates pursuant to Section 17-13-13. Choices other than the voters’ first choice preferences shall not be counted or divulged during the count or upon the conclusion of the primary election. Upon the conclusion of this count, the special federal ballots shall be secured and maintained by the absentee election manager until the time for counting absentee ballots for the second primary election, if a second primary election is necessary.

b. If a second primary election is necessary, the vote to be counted as cast by each voter shall be the highest designated choice of the voter of the two candidates participating in a contest. The total count of the votes received by each candidate shall be added to the count of votes produced for the candidates pursuant to Section 17-13-18.

(d)

(1) The special state ballot shall be marked as a special state primary ballot or special state second primary ballot, as applicable.

(2) The special state ballot shall be counted in the manner provided for in Section 17-13-13 or Section 17-13-18, as applicable to a primary election or second primary election.

(e) The votes for any office listed on the special federal ballot or special state ballot shall be canvassed, certified, and announced in the manner provided for in Section 17-13-17 and Section 17-13-18.

(f) The costs associated with implementing this section shall be reimbursed by the State of Alabama as an election expense pursuant to Chapter 16 of this title.

(g) The Secretary of State may promulgate rules in accordance with the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act to implement this section.

(h) This section shall be implemented only upon notice by the Secretary of State to the Code Commissioner that vacatur of the federal court order requiring federal second primary elections to be held nine weeks after the primary election has occurred, or upon entry of a federal court order indicating that vacatur of the aforementioned order is not necessary. The federal court action shall be taken not later than the 76th day before the primary election for this section to be implemented.

 

Section 17-13-9

Duty of judge of probate to furnish and deliver election supplies.

The judge of probate of each county is hereby required to furnish to the officers of the primary election a copy of the official list of voters of each voting place in the county, of the same kind and in the same manner as the judge of probate is required by law to furnish such list to the officers at any general state election. The judge of probate shall also furnish all necessary election supplies. The judge of probate shall deliver such election supplies and lists to the sheriff of the county not less than three days before the day of the election, and it shall be the duty of the sheriff to deliver the same, together with ballot boxes, to the officers of the election, at the place provided by law for holding the election, and not later than one hour before the polls are scheduled to open on election day.

 

Section 17-13-10

Ballots to be secret and inviolate.

The ballot of every voter shall be kept secret and inviolate.

 

Section 17-13-11

Watchers at polls.

A candidate who has qualified may have a single watcher in the polling place, to be appointed in writing over his or her own signature, and the appointment shall be presented to and filed with the inspectors. Subsections (b), (c), and (d) of Section 17-8-7 apply to watchers appointed pursuant to this section.

 

Section 17-13-12

Returning officers.

The inspector shall perform the duty of precinct returning officer as in general elections, unless someone else has been named and designated as authorized by law. It shall be the duty of the inspector or the duty of such returning officer as may be otherwise legally named and designated, as the case may be, to return and deliver to the sheriff, who is the county returning officer, or the sheriff’s designee, at the office of the judge of probate at the county seat or at such other place as designated by the judge of probate, the ballots and returns. The ballots and returns shall not be allowed to leave the county returning officer’s possession, except as provided by state and federal law.

 

Section 17-13-13

Counting of votes; results to be posted for public inspection.

(a) At the close of the primary election at each voting place, and nowhere else, the inspectors and clerks shall proceed forthwith, without adjournment, in the manner provided by law in the case of general elections, to count the votes. This section shall not apply to provisional ballots governed by Section 17-10-2.

(b) No later than two hours after the polls are closed, the election results for the voting place as tabulated by the inspectors shall be posted by the inspectors for public inspection at a place in the county courthouse designated by the judge of probate.

 

Section 17-13-14

Counting of ballots; materials to be sealed; delivery and retention of materials; posting of certificate of result.

(a) No ballot shall be counted until the polls are closed; and, before counting any ballot or examining the same, the voters’ poll list, as provided in Section 17-9-15, shall be securely sealed in an envelope designated to the appropriate political party chair and the inspector shall write his or her name across every fold at which the envelope, if fastened, could be opened.

After the counting of the votes is finished and certificates of the result have been prepared and signed, the inspector shall seal in a separate voted ballots container all the ballots cast at such election.

The following items shall be placed into a records of election container, which shall then be securely sealed:

(1) One certificate of the results.

(2) The spoiled ballot envelope.

(3) Clerk’s poll list.

(4) All partial ballot pads.

(5) Stubs of ballot pads.

The inspector shall also, in an envelope addressed to the chair of the county executive committee or other governing body of each political party participating, seal up the following:

(1) One certificate of the results.

(2) The voters’ poll list.

Such envelopes, with those contents therein, together with the voted ballots container, shall thereupon be immediately delivered to the sheriff.

The sheriff or sheriff’s designee shall keep the voted ballots container and record of election container securely in his or her possession in accordance with state and federal law. The sheriff shall separately deliver to the chair, or co-chair, of the county executive committee or other governing body of each political party the envelope addressed to the chair, containing the certificate of the results by 10:00 A.M. on the Wednesday following the primary.

(b) Not later than two hours after the polls are closed, the inspector shall also post in a conspicuous place at the polling place, for public inspection there, a copy of the certificate of the result.

 

Section 17-13-15

When voted ballots container and records of election container may be opened.

After the result has been canvassed and declared by the county executive committee, the sheriff shall securely keep the voted ballots container and the records of election container in accordance with state and federal law. The voted ballots container and records of election container shall not be opened except in one or the other of the following events:

(1) In the event of a contest, where the opening of the container has been authorized under authority of the chair of the executive committee trying the contest.

(2) Where a container has been returned but no certificate of the result of the election has been sent the chair outside of the container, the container may be opened by the sheriff in the presence of the chairs, or their designees, of the county committees for the political parties participating in the primary election, and the committees, for canvassing purposes, may obtain the result at any particular district, ward, or precinct from the contents of the container, using the certificate of result contained therein, if any, or otherwise, so far as necessary in order to obtain it from the container; after which the papers shall be returned into the container, and the container shall be resealed by the sheriff in the presence of the chairs, or their designees, of the county committees for the political parties participating in the primary election.

 

Section 17-13-16

Public proclamation of results of election; distribution of certificates of results.

The counting of the ballots having been completed, the results shall be publicly proclaimed. Separate certificates for each of the political parties entering the primary and the results of the election shall be drawn up by the inspector and clerks at each and every voting place, which shall contain all matters and things provided for in the law regulating general elections. The certificates shall be signed by the election workers; one copy of the same shall be forthwith posted in a conspicuous place at such voting place, one copy shall be transmitted to the chair of the county executive committee of each of the political parties in the primary, at such place as the county executive committee of the county shall designate at which to receive such returns, and another copy shall be transmitted to the chairs of the state executive committees of the political parties participating in the primary.

 

Section 17-13-17

Canvass, tabulation, and declaration of results.

The county executive committee of the party or parties participating in the primary election shall meet at the courthouse of its county, not later than noon on Tuesday next following the primary election, and receive the returns, canvass and tabulate the same, by precincts, and publicly declare the results thereof. The chair of each county executive committee shall forthwith and no later than the close of business on the seventh day following the primary election certify and return to the chair of the state executive committee a statement and tabulation, by precincts, of the result of the primary election and of the number of votes received by each candidate therein for office, except candidates for county office. Not later than noon on the Wednesday eight days following such primary election, the state executive committee, or such subcommittee thereof as may have been appointed by the chair thereof for such purpose, shall meet and receive the returns, canvass and tabulate the same by counties, and publicly declare on that day the results thereof as to all candidates for office therein, except candidates for county office, which results shall be final. The state executive committee or such subcommittee as provided in this section shall also provide the Secretary of State with the primary election returns by precincts according to county on a form authorized by the Secretary of State on the Wednesday eight days following the primary election, county and municipal returns excepted.

 

Section 17-13-18

Candidate with majority of votes declared nominee of party; second primary election; certification of results.

(a) At the respective meetings of the respective executive committees, the county executive committee, as to candidates in the primary election for office, except candidates for county office, shall publicly ascertain, determine, and declare whether any candidate for office in the primary election has received a majority of the votes cast for the office, and, if so, declare the candidate the nominee of the party for the office for which he or she was a candidate and for which he or she received a majority of the votes cast for that office in the primary election.

(b) If no candidate receives a majority of all of the votes cast in such primary election for any one office or offices for the nomination to which there were more than two candidates, then there shall be held a second primary election on the fourth Tuesday following the primary election, and the chair of the state executive committee shall certify to the Secretary of State, immediately upon the completion of such canvass, the names of the two candidates of the party to receive the highest number of votes in the first primary election for such office or offices, except county officers, and who are to be voted for in the second primary election. The chair of each county executive committee shall, immediately upon the completion of such canvass, certify to the judge of probate of the county the names of the two candidates who received the highest number of votes in the first primary for nomination to any county office. The Secretary of State shall, within two business days from the date the certificate is received from the chair of the state executive committee, certify to the judge of probate of any county where a second primary election is to be held the name or names of the candidates certified as herein provided by the chair of the state executive committee. The judge of probate of each county in Alabama shall in the manner and form as required by this chapter and the general laws of Alabama, have prepared and printed all election supplies and all ballots to be voted in the second primary election, which ballots shall contain, under appropriate headings or titles of the offices to be filled, the names of the two candidates for each office so certified by the Secretary of State and the chair of the county executive committee, as herein required, as well as such other matters as are required by this chapter and the general laws of Alabama, on ballots for the first primary election.

(c) At the second primary election, no person can be a candidate except the two persons who receive the highest number of votes for the offices for which they were candidates in the first primary election.

(d) The returns from the second primary election shall be made and the votes canvassed, tabulated, and certified and the results declared in the same manner provided in this chapter for making, canvassing, tabulating, certifying, and declaring the results of the first primary election. The county executive committee of the parties participating in the primary election shall meet at the courthouse of their respective counties not later than the second Friday following the second primary election and receive the returns, canvass and tabulate the same by precinct, and publicly declare the results thereof. The chair of each county executive committee shall forthwith, and not later than noon on the second Monday following the primary election, certify and return to the chair of the state executive committee a statement and tabulation by precincts of the results of the second primary election and of the number of votes received by each candidate for office therein voted for, except candidates for county office. Not later than noon on the third Wednesday following the second primary election, the state executive committee, or such subcommittee thereof as may have been appointed by the chair thereof for such purpose, shall meet at the State Capitol in Montgomery and receive the returns and canvass and tabulate the same by counties, and publicly declare on that day the result thereof as to all candidates voted for, except as to candidates for county office, which results shall be final. At such respective meetings of the respective executive committees, the county executive committee, as to candidates for county office voted for in the second primary election, and the state executive committee, as to candidates for office in the second primary election voted for therein, except candidates for county office, shall publicly ascertain and determine the candidates receiving a majority of all of the votes cast in such second primary election for any one office, and the candidates so ascertained and determined to have received a majority of all of the votes cast in such second primary election for the office shall be declared the nominee of the party for such office by the respective county and state executive committees. Thereupon and immediately upon the completion of such canvass, the chair thereof shall certify to and file with the judge of probate of the county the names of those who have been nominated in the first or the second primary election or as otherwise authorized or provided by this chapter, as candidates of the party for county offices; and in like manner, and immediately upon the completion of such canvass, by the state executive committee, or subcommittee thereof, the chair of the state executive committee shall certify to and file with the Secretary of State the names of those who have been nominated in the first or second primary election or as otherwise authorized or provided by this chapter as candidates of the party for office, except candidates for county office, and the names of the persons so certified shall be placed upon the official ballot of the general election to be held in November next thereafter as the candidates of the party for the offices for which they, respectively, have been so nominated.

(e) The state executive committee or such subcommittee as provided in this section shall also provide the Secretary of State with the second primary election returns by precincts according to county on a form authorized by the Secretary of State on the third Wednesday following the secondary primary, county and municipal returns excepted.

 

Section 17-13-19

Procedure when one candidate declines to enter second primary.

In the event either of the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes in the first primary election shall determine not to enter the second primary election provided for in this chapter, the candidate, as soon as possible and not more than three days after holding of the first primary election, shall certify his or her declination to enter such second primary election to the chair of the state executive committee of his or her party, if the office is an office other than a county office, or to the chair of the county executive committee of his or her party if the office is a county office. Upon the receipt of such notification, the chair of such committee shall declare the other candidate the nominee of the party for such office and certify his or her name as such nominee to the Secretary of State or the judge of probate, as the case may require, and a second primary election for the nomination of a candidate for that particular office shall not be held.

 

Section 17-13-20

Determination of majority of votes cast.

If a nominee for a single office is to be selected, with more than one candidate, then the majority of votes cast for the office in such election shall be ascertained by dividing the total votes cast for all candidates for the office by two, and any number of votes in excess of one half of such total votes cast for all candidates for such office shall be a majority within the meaning of this section. If nominees for two or more offices, constituting a group, are to be selected and there are more candidates for nomination than there are such offices, then the majority of votes cast for the office in such election shall be ascertained by dividing the total votes cast for all such candidates by the number of positions to be filled, and then dividing the result by two. Any number of votes in excess of the number ascertained by such last division shall be the majority herein provided for necessary for nomination. If, in ascertaining the result in this way, it appears that more candidates have obtained this majority than there are positions to be filled, then those having the highest vote, if beyond the majority just defined, shall be declared the nominees for the positions to be filled.

 

Section 17-13-21

Tie votes.

If, in any primary election held under the provisions of this chapter, there shall be a tie vote cast, then such tie shall be decided by the chair of the state executive committee, if the office is an office other than a county office, and by the chair of the county executive committee, if the office is a county office.

 

Section 17-13-22

Certification of nominees to judge of probate.

The Secretary of State shall, not later than 74 days before the general election, certify to the judge of probate of each county in the state a separate list of nominees of each party for office and for each candidate who has requested to be an independent candidate and has filed a written petition in accordance with Section 17-9-3, except nominees for county offices, to be voted for by the voters of such county.

 

Section 17-13-23

Filling of vacancies in nominations.

The state executive committee, in cases where the office to be filled is not a county office, and the county executive committee, in cases where the office to be filled is a county office, but subject to the approval of and in accordance with the method prescribed by the state executive committee, where a vacancy may occur in any nomination, either by death, resignation, revocation, or otherwise, or in case of any special election, may fill such vacancy, either by action of the committee itself or by such other method as such committee may see fit to pursue. The respective state or county executive committee shall file with the Secretary of State, for a state or federal office, or with the judge of probate, for a county office, the name of the candidate to fill such vacancy not later than 76 days before the election.

 

Section 17-13-24

Voting more than once.

Any voter who shall vote more than once, or attempt to vote more than once, in any primary election held in this state, shall, on conviction, be punished in the same manner as provided for voting or attempting to vote more than once in a general election.

 

Section 17-13-25

Changing or altering returns of primary elections.

Any person who shall change or in any wise alter the returns of any primary election, or remove the copy of the returns posted at any polling place before the result of the election is announced by the committee or governing authority, shall be punished in the same form and manner as provided by the general law for the punishment of any person who changes or in any wise alters the returns of the regular state elections.

 

Section 17-13-26

Additional duties of sheriff, chief of police, etc.

The sheriff of each county on the day of such primary election shall be present in person or by deputy at each election precinct or voting district where such elections are held, and shall preserve good order. All duties imposed and powers conferred upon the sheriff in county and district elections by this section are imposed and conferred on the marshal or chief of police in all municipal primary elections.

 

Article 2. Political Parties.

 

Section 17-13-40

“Political party” defined.

An assemblage or organization of electors which, at the general election for state and county officers then next preceding the primary, casts more than 20 percent of the entire vote cast in any county is hereby declared to be a political party within the meaning of this chapter within such county; and an assemblage or organization of electors which, at the general election for state officers then next preceding the primary, casts more than 20 percent of the entire vote cast in the state is hereby declared to be a political party within the meaning of this chapter for such state.

 

Section 17-13-41

Determination of total vote of political party.

In determining the total vote of a political party whenever required by this chapter, the test shall be the total vote received by a candidate of that party who received the highest vote total of any of the candidates of that party.

 

Section 17-13-42

Political parties may elect whether to participate in primary elections.

Primary elections are not compulsory. A political party may, by its state executive committee, elect whether it will come under the primary election law. All political parties are presumed to have accepted and come under the provisions of the primary election law, but any political party may signify its election not to accept and come under the primary election law by filing with the Secretary of State, at least 60 days before the date herein fixed for the holding of any general primary election, a statement of the action of its state executive committee, certified by its chair and secretary, which statement shall contain a copy of the resolution or motion adopted declining to accept and come under the primary election law. If a political party declines to accept and come under the primary election law, it shall not change its action and accept and come under the primary election law until after the next general election held thereafter. The governing body of a political party may determine from time to time what party officers shall be elected in the primary; provided, that candidates for all party offices shall be elected under the provisions of this chapter unless the method of their election is otherwise directed by the governing body of the party involved.

 

Section 17-13-43

Selection of delegates to national conventions by political parties.

Political parties may provide for the selection of delegates to national conventions by the holding of a presidential preference primary or by popular election of the delegates or otherwise. In the event a presidential preference primary is called by the governing body of any party, notice of such action shall be given to the Secretary of State as part of the notice required by Section 17-13-46. The notice shall prescribe the procedure for the listing of the names of presidential candidates on the primary ballot and for the selection of delegates pledged under party rules to vote for the respective presidential candidates. A presidential preference primary, when called, shall appear in the first or top position on the primary ballot. When no presidential preference primary is to be utilized, delegates may be elected in the primary election in the same manner as other party officers; except, that subject to such rules and procedures as the respective political parties may adopt, any delegate candidate may be permitted to list opposite his or her name on the primary ballot the surname of the presidential candidate to whom he or she is pledged or the word “uncommitted.” When delegates are to be so elected, the candidates for such position or positions shall appear in the first or top position on the primary ballot.

 

Section 17-13-44

Party committees for state and political subdivisions.

There may be provided a committee of each party for the state and each political subdivision of the state, including counties, the committees to be selected in such manner as may be provided for by the governing authority of each party, but if there shall not be elected or chosen any committee for any county or other political subdivision, then all the powers which could be exercised by any such committee shall be vested in the state executive committee, under such rules and regulations as the governing body of the party may designate, or the state committee or the chair thereof may appoint a county committee to act until such a committee is elected or chosen as provided by law or party rule. When a state executive committee of a party is provided, the state executive committee shall be the governing body of the party within the meaning of this chapter; except, that it may delegate to county executive committees authority over the conduct of party affairs within the respective counties, including authority over the conduct of primary elections within the respective counties.

 

Section 17-13-45

Provision for election of members of state executive committees.

The state or county executive committee of any political party may, by a majority vote of the committee, require that members of the committee be elected by the qualified electors of such political party. If such committee adopts an appropriate resolution requiring that such members be so elected, such election shall be held on the same ballot as the gubernatorial primary election. When members of county or state executive committees are to be elected in a primary, their declarations of candidacy shall be filed in the same manner and within the same time as candidates for nomination for public office.

 

Section 17-13-46

Notice by governing body of political party of desire to enter primary.

When the governing body of any political party desires to enter the primary election ordered to be held under this chapter, the governing body for the state shall give public notice thereof by filing a copy of the resolution of such governing body with the Secretary of State of Alabama. Such notice may be given to the Secretary of State by the chair of the county executive committee where the primary election affects only one county, and a copy of such notice shall be filed with the judge of probate of such county.

 

Section 17-13-47

Assessments and other qualifications for candidates for nomination.

The governing body of a party may fix assessments upon those able to pay, or other qualifications as it may deem necessary, for persons desiring to become candidates for nomination to offices at a primary election, but such assessments shall not exceed two percent of one year’s salary of the office sought and, for an unremunerative or party county office or an unremunerative or party office to be filled by a vote of a subdivision greater than one county, it shall not exceed fifty dollars ($50) or one hundred fifty dollars ($150) for an unremunerative or party office to be filled by a vote of the entire state.

 

Section 17-13-48

Selection and appointment of officers to conduct elections.

Each candidate for nomination may, at least 45 days before the primary, present to the county executive committee of his or her party a list of election officials desired by him or her for any one or more of the districts, wards, or precincts, and the county committee, so far as practicable, shall make, from the list so presented to it, a list of names of election officials for each district, ward, or precinct, which it will nominate to the appointing board of the county for appointment as officials to conduct the primary election. The county committee shall present the list so made up by it to the appointing board of the county which appoints the election officials to conduct elections for state and county officials in November, or at any other lawful time, which appointing board, from the list so presented to it by the county committee, shall, if there be on the list the names of sufficient persons who are legally eligible, select and appoint the officials to conduct the primary election, giving representation to all political parties wherever more than one party enters the primary; and, in the latter case, if a county committee has not given a sufficient number of names for a box, then the appointing board shall supply the deficiency from electors of that party, if practicable. In the event the persons selected as officials fail to appear at the polling place on the day of the primary election at the opening of the polls, then their places shall be filled by such of those who have been named by such appointing board as do appear; and, in the event none so named appear by then, the voters present and qualified to participate in such primary election may, from among themselves, select officials to conduct such election in such district or precinct during the absence of the appointed precinct election officials, and such substituted persons shall have the authority to conduct such elections and to be paid for their service in the same manner as if they had been originally appointed. All officials serving in such primary elections shall take the same oath required to be taken by officials of regular state elections and shall be subject to the same restrictions, limitations, penalties, and conditions.

 

Section 17-13-49

State and other conventions.

The state executive committee or other governing body of any political party may provide for state conventions or conventions of other subdivisions and may provide for the election of delegates to such convention or other party officials at the general primary herein provided for.

 

Section 17-13-50

Party meetings to nominate candidates, select delegates, party officers, etc.

(a) When any political party shall desire to hold any mass meeting, beat meeting, or other meeting of the voters of such party for the purpose of nominating any candidate or candidates for public office to be voted for in a general election in Alabama or for the purpose of selecting delegates or other representatives to any convention which may select such candidates for public office or when any such party shall desire to hold such mass meeting, beat meeting, or other meeting of the voters of such party for the purpose of selecting committeemen, representatives, or other party officers of such party, all of such meetings shall be held as provided in this section.

(b) All such meetings shall be held before the first primary election. The general public is privileged to attend such meetings, but not to participate. No less than five days prior to the date upon which any such mass meeting, beat meeting, or other meeting is to be held, notice of such meeting, including the time and place of such meeting, shall be filed with the judge of probate of the county in which any such meeting is to be held and shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at the expense of the political party holding such meeting. The judge of probate shall immediately forward to the Secretary of State a certified copy of all notices filed under this section.

 

Section 17-13-51

Applicability of Sections 17-13-50 and 17-17-50.

Sections 17-13-50 and 17-17-50 shall not apply where a special election is called for the election of a public officer for which the party has no candidate or where, by death, resignation, or otherwise, a vacancy has occurred in any nomination made by such party. Sections 17-13-50 and 17-17-50 shall not apply to municipal elections.

 

Section 17-13-52

Certificate of nomination by convention, mass meeting, etc.

The certificate of nomination by any caucus, convention, mass meeting, or other assembly of any political party or faction in this state not conducting a primary election at the expense of the state shall be filed on or before 5:00 P.M. of the primary election day to certify their nominees with the judge of probate, in the case of nominations for county office, and with the Secretary of State, in the case of all other offices. Each such certificate must have attached thereto a separate sworn statement from the nominee, signed by the nominee, stating that he or she accepts the nomination.

 

Article 3 Contests of Primary Elections.

 

Section 17-13-70

Time for contesting generally; hearing.

Any contest to a nomination made by primary election must be filed within 24 hours after the results of the primary election have been declared, weekends excluded, under the same conditions and on the same grounds as provided in the laws of Alabama for general elections of state and county officers and as provided in this chapter. The person whose nomination is contested under this section shall be notified of the contest in accordance with Section 17-13-83 and shall have five days after notice of the filing of the contest within which to file with the chair his or her objections and answers to such contest. Such contest shall be heard and tried by the county executive committee as to candidates for county offices and by the state committee as to candidates for all other offices; and wherever there is no county executive committee consisting of enough members to obtain a quorum, then by the state executive committee.

 

Section 17-13-71

Grounds.

The contests of nomination by a party for office, other than a county office, may be instituted by any qualified elector of the state, or of the political subdivision, as the case may be, who belongs to that party and who legally participated in such primary election, upon the following grounds, which may be used separately, or else be joined in the same contest:

(1) Malconduct, fraud, or corruption on the part of any inspector, clerk, returning officer, canvassing board, or other persons.

(2) When a person whose nomination is contested was not eligible to the office sought at the time of the declaration of nomination.

(3) On account of illegal votes given.

(4) On account of the rejection of legal votes.

(5) Offers to bribe, bribery, intimidation, or other malconduct or misconduct calculated to prevent a fair, free, and full exercise of the elective franchise.

(6) Miscalculation, mistake, or misconduct in counting, tallying, certifying, or canvassing which of itself alone or in conjunction with the giving of illegal votes or the rejection of legal votes, or any other ground, would, when everything is corrected, reduce the number of legal votes cast for the declared nominee down to or below those of some other candidate in that race.

 

Section 17-13-72

Effect of contest on declared nomination.

None of the grounds of contest enumerated in Section 17-13-71 shall serve to annul or set aside any declared nomination, unless such ground alone or in conjunction with other of such grounds alleged shall serve to show to the reasonable satisfaction of the committee trying the contest that the person who was declared nominated and whose nomination is contested did not receive at such primary the number of legal votes necessary under this chapter to be nominated. But upon such contest, the committee shall have power to declare who was legally nominated at such primary for such office.

 

Section 17-13-73

Certification of candidate in case of contest.

When a contest of a nomination is instituted or where a special primary to nominate is held as provided for in this chapter, the declared nominee for such office shall not be certified until after termination of the contest filed in the time herein prescribed.

 

Section 17-13-74

Summoning witnesses and production of documents.

In the hearing of any contest before any committee or subcommittee under the provisions of this article, such committee, through its chair, or through such other authority as may be designated, shall have authority to summon witnesses to appear before it, or before any subcommittee appointed by it, in the hearing of any contest pending before such committee, and can require any witnesses by a subpoena duces tecum to produce any books, papers, poll lists, tally sheets, ballots, certificates, or other documents which it may consider necessary to a rightful determination of the case.

 

Section 17-13-75

Witnesses – Testifying as to vote.

Any person examined as a witness on a contest of a nomination may be required to answer as to whether he or she voted at the primary and touching his or her qualification to vote thereat and to answer for whom he or she voted in the race concerned in the contest. A person who swears falsely upon such contest to any material matter may be prosecuted for any perjury thereby committed, as defined by Section 13A-10-100; but if on such contest the person makes full and true answers, any of which may incriminate or tend to incriminate the person, the person shall not be prosecuted in any court, either for voting in the primary or for any offense committed and disclosed by the answers.

 

Section 17-13-76

Witnesses – Oaths; summoning witnesses; expenses.

The chair of any committee or subcommittee before which may be pending any contest as herein provided may administer oaths to witnesses in such contests and summon persons and officers to be and appear before such committee or subcommittee. The person who desires the summoning of any witnesses, at the time he or she makes request of the chair of such committee to summon any witness, shall deposit with the chair of such committee, in cash, sufficient money to pay the cost of summoning any such witness and also to pay such witness the sum of one dollar ($1) per day while attending upon such committee and the sum of three cents ($.03) per mile each way in coming and returning from attendance upon such committee. All witnesses summoned to testify in any contest pending before any committee shall be paid at the rate of one dollar ($1) per day and three cents ($.03) per mile. Any party to the contest may file with the chair an instrument in writing, signed by any such desired witness, waiving the right to claim such per diem and mileage, in which event the chair shall not require a deposit for the payment of such witness fees, but only for the expense of summoning him or her.

 

Section 17-13-77

Registration lists to be furnished upon request.

The judge of probate of any county, upon the application of either party to any contest or his or her agent or attorney, shall deliver to the party, agent, or attorney a certified copy of the registration list of the county or for any election district, ward, or precinct therein, upon payment of the fees for certifying and copying the same at the rate of one dollar ($1) per page in making such copy. Such copies, duly certified, shall be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein; namely, copies of the registration lists that the persons named therein were duly registered. Any chair of any committee or other authority or person in whose possession, control, or custody there is any list of persons voting at the primary election or any other paper lawfully pertaining to the primary election, shall furnish a copy thereof for any state, county, district, ward, or precinct, duly certified by him or her, whenever required in writing by either party to a contest or his or her agent or attorney, upon the applicant’s paying in advance the reasonable cost of preparing such copy, and such duly certified copies shall be prima facie evidence of the truth of the matter indicated or recited therein.

 

Section 17-13-78

Statement by elector contesting election.

(a) Any elector of a party desiring to contest the nomination by his or her party of any candidate declared the nominee for any office shall make a statement in writing setting forth specifically all of the following:

(1) The name of the party contesting and that the elector was a qualified elector when the primary was held and he or she participated therein.

(2) The nomination which the election was held to fill.

(3) The time of holding the election.

(4) The name of the person declared nominated.

(5) The particular grounds on which the nomination is contested.

(b) The contest is instituted by filing this statement and giving security as provided in this article, which statement must be certified by the affidavit of such contesting party to the effect that he or she believes the same to be true.

(c) If the reception of illegal votes is alleged as a ground for contest, it is a sufficient statement of the ground to allege that illegal votes were given to the person whose nomination is contested, which, if taken from him or her will, of themselves alone or in conjunction with other alleged grounds of contest, if any, reduce the number of legal votes given to him or her down to or below the number of legal votes given to some other candidate for the same nomination; and if the rejection of legal votes is alleged as a ground, it is a sufficient statement of the ground to allege the legal votes were offered and rejected which, if cast and counted, would of themselves alone or in conjunction with other alleged grounds, if any, increase the number of legal votes cast for such candidate to a number equal to or greater than the number to which the contestee was legally entitled.

 

Section 17-13-79

Contestant to notify contestee of votes sought to be proved illegal.

No testimony shall be received of any illegal votes or of the rejection of any legal votes in any contest commenced under this article unless the party complaining thereof has given to the adverse party notice in writing of the number of illegal votes and by whom given, for whom given, and at what precinct or voting place cast, or the number of legal votes rejected, by whom offered, and at what precinct or voting place they were not allowed to be cast, which he or she expects to prove on the trial. Such notice shall be served personally or left at the residence or usual place of business of the adverse party at least five days before the taking of the testimony in reference to such votes.

 

Section 17-13-80

Contest of nomination to county office – Time and manner of commencement.

Any contest of a nomination to any county office must be commenced within 24 hours after the result has been canvassed and the nomination declared by the county executive committee of the party holding the primary, by filing a statement of contest with the chair of such county committee, in the same manner and form as is provided in this article for contest of other nominations, and depositing at the same time with such chair the sum of fifty dollars ($50) in cash to be used by the county executive committee in paying the expenses of such contest from time to time as such expenses may be authorized or directed by the county executive committee. The person whose nomination is contested under this section shall be notified of such contest in accordance with Section 17-13-83 and shall have five days after notice of the filing of the contest within which to file with such chair his or her objections and answers to such contest.

 

Section 17-13-81

Contest of nomination to county office – Duty of chair of county executive committee in case of contest.

The chair of the county executive committee, upon the filing with him or her of any contest as provided in this article, shall call the committee together at the county seat and the committee shall meet not more than five calendar days from the filing of such contest to hear and determine the same.

 

Section 17-13-82

Contest of nomination to county office – Appeals from decisions of county executive committee.

(a) Either party to a contest under this article shall have the right of an appeal to the state executive committee from the final decision of the county executive committee upon the same. Notice of such appeal shall be filed with the chair of the state executive committee within two business days after determination of such contest by the county executive committee. At the time of filing with the chair of the state executive committee the notice of appeal, such appellant shall deposit with the chair of the state executive committee the sum of one hundred dollars ($100) to cover such cost and expenses as may be incurred by the state executive committee to hear and determine the appeal. Upon the filing of any such appeal, the chair of the county executive committee from whose decision the appeal is taken shall certify to the chair of the state executive committee, forthwith upon receiving notice of such appeal, a transcript showing a complete record of the proceedings before the county executive committee in such contests, and also a statement of the substance of the testimony of each witness taken on the trial of the contest before the county committee. Such statement may be offered in evidence upon the hearing of the appeal by either party to the appeal.

(b) The chair of the state executive committee, upon the filing of an appeal, shall call the committee to meet and the committee shall meet not more than five calendar days from the time of the filing of any such appeal for the purpose of hearing and determining the same. Upon a final determination of the appeal, the chair of the state executive committee shall issue to the county executive committee from which the appeal was taken the order of judgment of such state executive committee upon the appeal, and the county executive committee shall immediately act thereon in accordance with the terms of such order of judgment. Upon the failure or refusal of such county executive committee to comply with the terms of such order or judgment within the time named in such order or judgment, such state executive committee, if it is then in session, otherwise, the chair of such state executive committee, is hereby vested with full and complete authority to take such measures or adopt such steps as it may deem necessary to carry out such order or judgment, and is invested with all the powers of such county executive committee or its chair insofar as such powers may be necessary or convenient in carrying out such order or judgment.

(c) The chair of the state executive committee may appoint a subcommittee of not less than three to hear and decide any contest, and the subcommittee so appointed shall, if so authorized by the chair of the state executive committee, have all of the power and authority given to or possessed by the state executive committee to hear such contest. The subcommittee may be appointed to hear evidence and report their recommendations to the full state executive committee.

 

Section 17-13-83

Manner of commencing contest of nomination to office other than county office.

Any qualified elector of a party participating in any primary election held under the provisions of this chapter may, if the elector participated in the primary, contest a nomination declared by his or her party to any office, other than a county office, by filing with the chair of the state executive committee a statement of contest and grounds thereof, as required by this article, for contest before a committee, verified and with averments the same as therein provided and by giving security as provided in this article. The person whose nomination is contested shall at once be notified by such chair in writing of such fact, and such contestee shall have five days after the receipt of such notice of such contest within which to file with the chair of the state executive committee his or her objections and answers to the statement of contest.

 

Section 17-13-84

Filing statements of contests; depositions; costs; service of process; contempt.

Upon the filing of any contest of nomination, the chair of the executive committee with which the contest is filed shall file a statement in the office of the clerk of the circuit court of the county where the contestant resides of the fact that such a contest has been filed, giving the names of the parties thereto, the nomination contested and the day set for hearing. After such statement is filed, the clerk of the circuit court shall issue such subpoenas for witnesses and orders for production of documents and shall issue commissions for the taking of testimony by deposition as required by either party, each party to the contest being responsible for costs incurred by him or her for the summoning and attendance of witnesses on his or her behalf, and the clerk may issue execution for such costs the same as in civil cases. It shall be the duty of the sheriff to serve all process issued by the circuit clerk and execute all orders and processes of the executive committee or subcommittee trying the contest. Such executive committee or subcommittee shall have the same power and authority as the circuit judges of this state to enforce obedience to its orders and process and to punish disobedience to its orders by fine or imprisonment, as for contempt. Such executive committee or subcommittee, of its own motion or at the request of either party, may require any person to produce before it papers or documents pertinent to any inquiry before such executive committee or subcommittee. The chair of the executive committee or subcommittee trying the contest may issue directly to the sheriff process for the attendance of witnesses or the production of documents or commissions for taking depositions without the intervention of the circuit clerk, as provided in this article.

 

Section 17-13-85

Meeting of state executive committee.

The chair of the state executive committee shall, upon the filing of a contest with him or her, as provided in this article, call the committee to meet and the committee shall meet not more than five calendar days from the time of filing such contest for the purpose of hearing and determining the same, or, without calling the committee to meet, the chair may appoint a subcommittee as herein provided for and the subcommittee shall meet not more than five calendar days after a contest is filed for the purpose of hearing and determining the same.

 

Section 17-13-86

Declaration of result of contest.

Upon the hearing of any contest, if the state or county executive committee finally determines who is the legal nominee for any office, it shall make a declaration of its judgment upon the question not later than 90 days before the general election for a county office and not later than 83 days before the general election for a state office. If the committee fails or refuses to hear or determine the outcome of a contest by the 90th day before the general election for a county office or the 83rd day before the general election for a state office, the failure or refusal shall be treated as a dismissal or the rendition of judgment against the contestant, and a certificate thereof shall be forwarded by either the county chair to the judge of probate or the state chair to the Secretary of State .

 

Section 17-13-87

New primary in case contest cannot be decided.

If, upon the hearing of any contest for any office, as provided for in this chapter, the committee, after an investigation and hearing of the contest, shall determine that it is impossible from the evidence before it to decide who is the legally nominated candidate for the office contested, it may direct a new primary election for the nomination to any such office, but where any action is taken by any county executive committee, either person to the contest, in the same manner as herein provided for in the case of appeals from the action of any county committee, may take an appeal to the state executive committee, which shall be the court of final appeal in all party contests of nominations; provided that, upon hearing of any contest or appeal, as provided for in this chapter, which is not referred to and decided by a subcommittee, 15 members of any such state executive committee shall constitute a quorum for the hearing and determining of such contest or appeal; provided further, that the entire committee shall be notified of the meeting in the usual way.

 

Section 17-13-88

Power of state committee to provide rules of party procedure.

The state executive committee may prescribe such other additional rules governing contests and other matters of party procedure as it may deem necessary not in conflict with this chapter.

 

Section 17-13-89

Commissioners to take testimony.

Upon filing of any contest as herein provided, the executive committee before whom any such contest is pending, if in session, or the chair of such committee, if it is not in session, may appoint a commissioner, upon the request of either party, for the purpose of taking testimony in such contest, and such commissioner shall take testimony in such contest as he or she may be directed to take by the chair of such committee, and five days’ notice of the time when and place where such commissioner expects to take such testimony and the names of the witnesses to be examined shall be given the opposite party to the contest. Each party to the contest may be represented before such commissioner, but before any such commissioner is appointed, the party desiring the appointment made shall deposit with the chair of such committee sufficient funds to pay the expenses and fees of such commissioner and the fees and mileage of any witness which may be summoned before such commissioner. And such commissioner, when appointed, for the purpose of the contest in which he or she is to take testimony, may summon witnesses to appear before him or her in such contest and administer oaths to such witnesses and shall have all the authority vested in a judge of a district court to punish for contempt. Such commissioner shall not be of kin to either party to the contest.

 

Article 4 Presidential Preference Primary Elections.

 

Section 17-13-100

When held; reimbursement of county.

(a) Primary elections for the purpose of determining the preferred candidates for President of the United States shall be held the first Tuesday in March each year in which a President is to be elected beginning in the year 2016.

(b) Subject to rules and procedures of the political party of any presidential candidate, the names of any candidates for delegate to the national conventions pledged to a presidential candidate shall be placed under his or her name and the delegates shall be elected in the primary election as provided herein.

(c) The State of Alabama shall reimburse a county for all sums expended in holding and conducting the presidential preference primary as provided in Section 17-16-4.

 

Section 17-13-101

Applicability of Section 17-9-3 and this chapter.

The provisions of Section 17-9-3 and this chapter shall apply to presidential preference primaries held under the provisions of this article unless clearly inconsistent herewith or inappropriate for the conduct of a presidential preference primary. Any political party holding a presidential preference primary may promulgate rules for the conduct of such primary not inconsistent with the provisions of this article.

 

Section 17-13-102

Petition requirements.

In order to qualify the name of any person to appear on the ballot at a presidential preference primary, a petition or petitions in support of his or her candidacy shall be filed with the state party chair of the appropriate political party, hereinafter referred to as “chair,” 116 days prior to the presidential preference primary election. To comply with this section, a candidate may file a petition or petitions signed by a total of not less than 500 qualified electors of the state, or petitions signed by not less than 50 qualified electors of each congressional district of the state, in which case there shall be a separate petition for each congressional district. The petitions shall be in such form as the chair may prescribe; provided, that there shall be a space for the county of residence of each signer next to the space provided for his or her signature. No signature may be counted as valid unless the county of residence of the signer is provided. Each petition shall contain an affirmation under the penalties of perjury that each signer is a qualified elector in his or her congressional district or in the state, as appropriate. The decision of the chair as to the regularity of the petitions shall be final.

 

Section 17-13-103

Filing fee.

No candidate shall be allowed to have his or her name placed on the ballot at a presidential preference primary unless there shall be paid to the chair, at the time of filing his or her qualifying petition, such fee as the party may prescribe.

 

Section 17-13-104

Notice to candidate of qualification; withdrawal by candidate.

Whenever the chair shall receive petitions, timely filed, which appear to qualify the name of a candidate for President to be placed on the ballot, he or she shall forthwith notify the prospective candidate by the most expeditious means of communication and shall advise such prospective candidate that unless the candidate withdraws his or her name from the ballot no later than 76 days before the primary, it will appear on the ballot of the party at such presidential preference primary. If a candidate signifies the desire to withdraw his or her name within the above time limit, it shall not be printed on the ballot.

 

Section 17-13-105

Political party to file resolution with Secretary of State.

Each political party authorized to hold a primary and wishing to hold such a presidential preference primary shall, not less than 116 days before such primary is to be held, adopt and file with the Secretary of State a resolution stating that intention, the method by which electors are to indicate one or more preferences, the method by which delegates are to be selected, elected, chosen, and replaced, and the pledge, if any, by which delegates are to be bound.

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Title 17 – Chapter 14

Chapter 14 – GENERAL ELECTIONS
Article 1 General Provisions

 

Section 17-14-1

State and county officers who are elected by the people.

The following officers in this state shall be elected by the qualified electors thereof: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Auditor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, public service commissioners, senators and representatives in the Legislature, Chief Justice and associate justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the courts of appeals, circuit courts, and district courts, district attorneys, judges of the probate court, sheriffs, coroners, clerks of the circuit courts, tax assessors, tax collectors, county treasurers in counties of more than 56,000 population, as provided by law, members of county commissions, constables, representatives in Congress, United States senators, electors for President and Vice President of the United States, and such other officers as may be required by law to be elected by the people, when not otherwise specially provided for.

 

Section 17-14-2

Holding of general election.

General elections throughout the state shall be held for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Auditor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, three public service commissioners, no two of whom shall be elected from the same congressional district, Chief Justice and associate justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the courts of appeals, electors for President and Vice President of the United States, United States senators, and such other officers as may be required by law to be elected by the voters of the entire state; for a member of Congress in each congressional district; judges of the circuit court in each judicial circuit; judges of the district courts in each district; district attorneys in each judicial circuit; a senator in each senatorial district; a representative in the Legislature in each house district; a judge of the probate court, sheriff, clerks of the circuit courts, tax assessor, tax collector, a county treasurer in counties of more than 56,000 population, as provided by law, coroner, and members of the county commission in each county, and constables in each precinct of the county.

 

Section 17-14-3

Time of general elections.

The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Auditor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, senators and representatives in the Legislature, a sheriff in each county, one coroner in all counties having a coroner, and other officers not otherwise provided for, shall be elected on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2006, and every fourth year thereafter. A president of the Public Service Commission shall be elected on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2008, and every fourth year thereafter. Two associate public service commissioners shall be elected on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2006, and every fourth year thereafter.

 

Section 17-14-4

When county officers elected.

Except as otherwise provided by local law, members of county commissions, one county treasurer in all counties having a county treasurer, and one constable for each election precinct shall be elected on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2008, and every fourth year thereafter.

 

Section 17-14-5

County boards of education.

Except as otherwise provided by local law, at the general election of state and county officers in November 2006, and biennially thereafter, a member or members of the county board of education shall be elected for a term of six years to succeed those whose term or terms of office shall expire at that time. Each member shall hold office until his or her successor has been elected and qualified.

 

Section 17-14-6

Judges and clerks; vacancies.

The judges of the circuit and district courts, the judge of probate, the judges of the courts of appeals, and clerks of the circuit court shall be elected on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2006, and they shall hold their respective offices for the term of six years from the first Monday after the second Tuesday in January next after their election and until their successors are elected and qualified.

Unless otherwise provided in the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, vacancies in any judicial office shall be filled by appointment by the Governor.

The office of a judge shall be vacant if the incumbent dies, resigns, retires, or is removed. The appointment of a judge of probate is for the remainder of the unexpired term.

A judge, other than a judge of probate, appointed to fill a vacancy, shall serve an initial term lasting until the first Monday after the second Tuesday in January following the next general election held after he or she has completed one year in office. At the election the judicial office shall be filled for a full term of office beginning at the end of the appointed term.

 

Section 17-14-7

Certification of vacancies in judicial offices.

The Administrative Director of Courts shall certify vacancies in offices of judges of circuit courts, district courts, courts of appeals, and the Supreme Court, and clerks of circuit courts to the Secretary of State by December 1 of the year preceding the next general election.

 

Section 17-14-8

District attorneys.

One district attorney for each judicial circuit shall be elected on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2010, and every six years thereafter, and they shall hold office for a term of six years from the first Monday after the second Tuesday in January next after their election and until their successors are elected and qualified.

 

Section 17-14-9

Justices of the Supreme Court.

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the associate justices of the court shall hold their respective offices for the term of six years from the first Monday after the second Tuesday in January next after their election and until their successors are elected and qualified.

The office of a justice of the Supreme Court shall be vacant if the incumbent dies, resigns, retires, or is removed. A vacancy in the office of a justice of the Supreme Court shall be filled by appointment by the Governor. A justice appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve an initial term lasting until the first Monday after the second Tuesday in January following the next general election held after he or she has completed one year in office. At such election, the office shall be filled for a full term of office beginning at the end of the appointed term.

 

Section 17-14-10

When presidential electors and members of Congress elected.

Electors for President and Vice President of the United States shall be elected on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2008, and every fourth year thereafter. A member of Congress from each congressional district shall be elected on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2006, and every second year thereafter.

 

Section 17-14-11

United States Senators.

At the general election to be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2008, and each six years thereafter, a senator of and from the State of Alabama in the Senate of the United States shall be elected by the people for a term of six years, beginning on the third day of January next after the election. At the general election to be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2010, and every six years thereafter, a senator of and from the State of Alabama in the Senate of the United States shall be elected by the people for a term of six years, beginning on the third day of January next after the election.

 

Article 2 Elections for Presidential and Vice Presidential Electors

 

Section 17-14-30

Number of presidential electors.

On the day prescribed in Section 17-14-10, there are to be elected, in the manner provided in this chapter, a number of electors for President and Vice President of the United States equal to the number of senators and representatives in Congress to which this state is entitled at the time of such election.

 

Section 17-14-31

Certification of names of candidates; nominating petitions; names of electors; statement of electors.

(a) When presidential electors are to be chosen, the Secretary of State of Alabama shall certify to the judges of probate of the several counties the names of all candidates for President and Vice President who are nominated by any national convention or other like assembly of any political party or by written petition signed by at least 5,000 qualified voters of this state.

(b) The certificate of nomination by a political party convention must be signed by the presiding officer and secretary of the convention and by the chair of the state executive or central committee of the political party making the nomination. Any nominating petition, to be valid, must contain the signatures as well as the addresses of the petitioners. Such certificates and petitions must be filed in the office of the Secretary of State no later than the 82nd day next preceding the day fixed for the election.

(c) Each certificate of nomination and nominating petition must be accompanied by a list of the names and addresses of persons, who shall be qualified voters of this state, equal in number to the number of presidential electors to be chosen. Each person so listed shall execute the following statement which shall be attached to the certificate or petition when the same is filed with the Secretary of State: “I do hereby consent and do hereby agree to serve as elector for President and Vice President of the United States, if elected to that position, and do hereby agree that, if so elected, I shall cast my ballot as such elector for _____ for President and _____ for Vice President of the United States” (inserting in the blank spaces the respective names of the persons named as nominees for the respective offices in the certificate to which this statement is attached).

 

Section 17-14-32

Names on ballots; vote for candidate counted as vote for designated electors.

The names of all candidates for President and Vice President who are nominated as provided in this chapter shall be printed on the official ballots under the emblem of their respective political parties, as filed in the office of the Secretary of State of Alabama. The names of the electors of the candidates for President and Vice President shall not be printed upon the ballots. A vote for a candidate for President or Vice President shall be counted as a vote for the electors of the political party or independent body by which such candidates were named, as listed on the certificate of nomination or nominating petition.

 

Section 17-14-33

Making returns to Secretary of State.

In all elections for electors for President and Vice President, the canvassing board of each county must, within five days after making the statement of the county vote by precincts, return the result of the same to the Secretary of State.

 

Section 17-14-34

Governor to estimate returns and give notice of election.

Within 15 days after the time for making the returns, the Governor, in the presence of the Secretary of State and Attorney General, or either of them in the absence of the other, must certify the returns, ascertain which electors are elected, and notify them by proclamation.

 

Section 17-14-35

Tie vote.

If, at the time of making the certification under Section 17-14-34, it is found that an election of the number of electors to which the state is entitled is not made by reason of two or more candidates having received an equal number of votes, the Governor must forthwith decide between those having an equal number of votes.

 

Section 17-14-36

Electoral meeting; filling of vacancies.

The electors of President and Vice President are to assemble at the office of the Secretary of State, at the seat of government at 12:00 noon on the second Tuesday in December next after their election, or at that hour on such other day as may be fixed by Congress, to elect such President and Vice President, and those of them present at that hour must at once proceed by ballot and plurality of votes to supply the places of those who fail to attend on that day and hour.

 

Section 17-14-37

Compensation of electors.

Each elector for President and Vice President shall receive eight dollars ($8) for each day he or she necessarily attends at the seat of government, and twenty cents ($.20) for every mile traveled to and from the same, to be estimated in the same manner as is provided by law in relation to members of the Legislature from his or her county, to be paid, on oath of such elector, by warrant on the Treasurer.

 

Article 3 Amendments to the Constitution

 

Section 17-14-50

Counting and returning vote on constitutional amendment.

The vote on an amendment proposed to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, shall be counted and return made thereof as the vote for members of the Legislature is counted and returned, the amendments, if more than one, being designated by substantially the language used to designate them on the official ballot.

 

Section 17-14-51

Returns made to Secretary of State.

The canvassing board shall ascertain the number of votes given in their respective counties for and against the proposed amendment when ascertaining the vote given for officers; the canvassing board of such county shall thereupon make returns of such vote, by precincts, to the Secretary of State immediately, together with a certificate, prepared from the poll lists of the total number of qualified electors in the county who voted at such election.

 

Section 17-14-52

Returns counted; result proclaimed.

The Secretary of State, in the presence of the Governor and Attorney General, or one of them, shall open certificates received pursuant to Section 17-14-51 and therefrom ascertain whether a majority of all the qualified electors of the state who voted at such election voted in favor of such amendment or amendments; and the result of the election shall be made known by proclamation of the Governor.

 

Section 17-14-53

Expense of publication of proclamation.

Whenever any proposed amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, regardless of the nature thereof, is submitted to the people for ratification or adoption, the expense of publication of the Governor’s proclamation concerning such amendment shall be paid out of the General Fund of the State of Alabama. Payment of the expense of the publication of any such proclamation shall be made upon account stated, certified to be correct, approved by the Governor, upon warrant of the state Comptroller.

There is hereby appropriated out of the General Fund of the State of Alabama such sum or sums as may be necessary to pay the expense of the publication of any such proclamation.

 

Section 17-14-54

Cost of elections on constitutional amendments.

Unless otherwise stated in the act or resolution calling such election, whenever any special election is ordered by the Legislature upon any proposed amendment or amendments to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, and the amendment affects only one municipality in this state, and if no amendment or amendments other than those affecting the municipality are submitted to the voters of the state at the election, the expense of holding such election, including the cost of publishing the notices and proclamation required by the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, shall be paid by such municipality.

 

Section 17-14-55

Duty of state Comptroller to ascertain expenses and file same.

It shall be the duty of the Comptroller to ascertain the expense of an election under Section 17-14-54 and, within 30 days after the holding of the same, to present to and file with the clerk of such municipality a statement of the expense, duly certified by such officer, and the governing body of such municipality, by whatever name called, shall cause the expense to be paid out of the funds of the municipality to the Treasurer of the State of Alabama. Every such claim shall be a preferred claim against such municipality, and the courts may enforce by writ of mandamus performance of the duty herein entailed upon the Comptroller and the members of the governing body of such municipality.

 

Article 4 Congressional Districts and Elections

 

Section 17-14-70

Congressional districts; official maps.

(a) The State is divided into seven congressional districts as follows:

District 1: Baldwin County, Escambia County, Mobile County, Monroe County, Washington County, Clarke County: Tract 957500: Block Group 2: Block 81, Block 97, Block 98; Tract 957800: Block Group 1: Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 20, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 51; Block Group 2: Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64; Block Group 5: Block 3, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41; Block Group 6: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 20, Block 24, Block 25, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 64, Block 65; Tract 957901: Block Group 1: Block 6, Block 7, Block 19, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54; Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104, Block 105, Block 106, Block 107, Block 108, Block 109, Block 110, Block 111, Block 112, Block 113, Block 114, Block 115, Block 116, Block 117, Block 118, Block 119, Block 120, Block 121, Block 122, Block 123, Block 124, Block 125, Block 126, Block 127; Tract 957902: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 36, Block 40; Block Group 2: Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 34; Block Group 3: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 31, Block 32, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 44, Block 45; Block Group 4: Block 11, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 60, Block 120, Block 121, Block 122; Tract 958001: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 17, Block 51, Block 52.

District 2: Autauga County, Barbour County, Bullock County, Butler County, Coffee County, Conecuh County, Covington County, Crenshaw County, Dale County, Elmore County, Geneva County, Henry County, Houston County, Pike County, Montgomery County: Tract 100, Tract 200, Tract 300, Tract 400, Tract 500, Tract 600, Tract 900, Tract 1600, Tract 1700, Tract 1800, Tract 1900, Tract 2000, Tract 2100, Tract 2500, Tract 2600, Tract 2700, Tract 2800, Tract 3301, Tract 3302, Tract 5101, Tract 5102, Tract 5301, Tract 5302, Tract 5403, Tract 5407, Tract 5409, Tract 5410, Tract 5605, Tract 5606, Tract 5609, Tract 5800, Tract 1000: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76; Block Group 2: Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 16, Block 17, Block 22, Block 23; Tract 1300: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22; Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17; Tract 1400: Block Group 2, Block Group 3, Block Group 4, Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21; Tract 1500: Block Group 1: Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22; Block Group 2: Block 24, Block 25, Block 29, Block 30; Tract 2201: Block Group 2: Block 0; Tract 3000: Block Group 1, Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 2, Block 3; Tract 5402: Block Group 1, Block Group 3; Tract 5406: Block Group 1, Block Group 2, Block Group 4: Block 15, Block 18, Block 32, Block 33, Block 35, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47; Tract 5408: Block Group 1: Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 27, Block 29, Block 33, Block 37, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47; Block Group 2: Block 12, Block 25, Block 33; Block Group 3: Block 1, Block 5; Block Group 4: Block 21; Tract 5603: Block Group 1, Block Group 3, Block Group 4; Tract 5604: Block Group 3; Tract 5610: Block Group 1: Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 36, Block 37, Block 41, Block 42, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 61, Block 62, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71; Tract 5611: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 21, Block 22; Tract 5700: Block Group 2, Block Group 1: Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86; Tract 5901: Block Group 2, Block Group 3, Block Group 1: Block 17, Block 19, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87; Block Group 4: Block 23, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 50, Block 51, Block 55; Tract 6000: Block Group 1, Block Group 2, Block Group 3, Block Group 4: Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 29, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49.

District 3: Calhoun County, Chambers County, Clay County, Cleburne County, Lee County, Macon County, Randolph County, Russell County, St Clair County, Talladega County, Tallapoosa County, Cherokee County: Tract 955701, Tract 955800, Tract 955900, Tract 956000, Tract 956100, Tract 955702: Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 25, Block 26, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104, Block 105, Block 106, Block 107, Block 108, Block 109, Block 110, Block 111, Block 112, Block 113, Block 114, Block 115, Block 116, Block 117, Block 118, Block 119, Block 120, Block 121, Block 122, Block 123, Block 124, Block 125, Block 126, Block 127, Block 128, Block 129, Block 130, Block 131, Block 132, Block 133, Block 134, Block 135, Block 136, Block 137, Block 138, Block 139, Block 140, Block 141, Block 142, Block 143, Block 144, Block 145, Block 146, Block 147, Block 148, Block 149, Block 150, Block 151, Block 152, Block 153, Block 154, Block 155, Block 156, Block 157, Block 158, Block 159, Block 160, Block 161, Block 162, Block 163, Block 164, Block 165, Block 166, Block 167, Block 168, Block 169, Block 170, Block 171, Block 172, Block 173, Block 174, Block 175, Block 176, Block 177, Block 178, Block 179, Block 180, Block 181, Block 182, Block 183, Block 184, Block 185, Block 186, Block 187, Block 188, Block 189, Block 190, Block 191, Block 192, Block 193, Block 194, Block 195, Block 196, Block 197, Block 198, Block 199, Block 200, Block 201, Block 202, Block 203, Block 204, Block 205, Block 206, Block 207, Block 208, Block 209, Block 210, Block 211, Block 212, Block 213, Block 214, Block 215, Block 216, Block 217, Block 218, Block 219, Block 220, Block 221, Block 222, Block 223, Block 224, Block 225, Block 226, Block 227, Block 228, Block 229, Block 230, Block 231, Block 232, Block 233, Block 234, Block 235, Block 236, Block 237, Block 238, Block 239, Block 240, Block 241, Block 242, Block 243, Block 244, Block 245, Block 246, Block 247, Block 248, Block 249, Block 250, Block 251, Block 252, Block 253, Block 254, Block 255, Block 256, Block 257, Block 258, Block 259, Block 260, Block 261, Block 262; Montgomery County: Tract 5501, Tract 5502, Tract 5503, Tract 5504, Tract 5607, Tract 5608, Tract 5612, Tract 5402: Block Group 2, Block Group 4; Tract 5406: Block Group 3, Block Group 4: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 16, Block 17, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 34, Block 36, Block 43, Block 44, Block 48; Tract 5408: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 25, Block 26, Block 28, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 48, Block 49; Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38; Block Group 3: Block 0, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9; Block Group 4: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 22; Tract 5604: Block Group 1, Block Group 2; Tract 5610: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 43, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 63, Block 64, Block 72; Tract 5611: Block Group 1: Block 19, Block 20; Tract 5700: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4.

District 4: Colbert County, Cullman County, DeKalb County, Etowah County, Fayette County, Franklin County, Lamar County, Lawrence County, Marion County, Marshall County, Walker County, Winston County, Blount County: Tract 50300: Block Group 1, Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 57, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 90, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95; Tract 50400: Block Group 1, Block Group 2; Cherokee County: Tract 955702: Block Group 1, Block Group 2: Block 24, Block 27; Jackson County: Tract 950700: Block Group 3: Block 70, Block 71, Block 100, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104, Block 105, Block 106; Tract 951100: Block Group 4: Block 83; Block Group 5: Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77; Tuscaloosa County: Tract 10102, Tract 10103, Tract 10202, Tract 10203, Tract 10204, Tract 10101: Block Group 1, Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86; Tract 10201: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 103, Block 104, Block 105, Block 106, Block 107, Block 108, Block 109, Block 110, Block 111; Tract 10301: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 106, Block 107, Block 108, Block 122, Block 123, Block 124, Block 125, Block 126, Block 127, Block 128, Block 129, Block 132, Block 133, Block 134, Block 135, Block 136, Block 137, Block 138, Block 139, Block 140, Block 141, Block 142, Block 143, Block 144, Block 145, Block 146; Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5; Tract 10302: Block Group 1, Block Group 2, Block Group 3: Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104, Block 105, Block 106, Block 107, Block 108, Block 109, Block 110, Block 111, Block 112, Block 113, Block 114, Block 115, Block 116, Block 117, Block 118, Block 119, Block 120, Block 121, Block 122, Block 123, Block 124, Block 125, Block 126, Block 127, Block 128, Block 129, Block 130, Block 131, Block 132, Block 133, Block 134, Block 135, Block 136, Block 138, Block 139, Block 140, Block 146, Block 147, Block 148, Block 149, Block 150, Block 162, Block 179, Block 180, Block 181, Block 182, Block 183, Block 184, Block 185, Block 186, Block 187, Block 189, Block 191, Block 192, Block 193, Block 194, Block 195, Block 196, Block 197, Block 198, Block 199, Block 200, Block 201, Block 202, Block 203, Block 204, Block 205, Block 206, Block 207, Block 208, Block 209, Block 210, Block 211, Block 212, Block 213, Block 214, Block 215, Block 216, Block 217, Block 218, Block 219, Block 228, Block 229, Block 230, Block 231, Block 232, Block 233, Block 234, Block 236, Block 237, Block 240, Block 245, Block 246, Block 247, Block 248, Block 249, Block 258, Block 259, Block 260, Block 261, Block 262, Block 263, Block 264, Block 265, Block 266, Block 270, Block 271, Block 272, Block 273, Block 274, Block 275, Block 276, Block 277, Block 278, Block 279, Block 280, Block 281, Block 282, Block 283, Block 284, Block 285, Block 286, Block 287, Block 288, Block 289, Block 290, Block 292; Tract 10303: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12; Tract 10403: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44; Tract 10404: Block Group 1: Block 29, Block 34; Tract 10405: Block Group 1, Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 67; Tract 10406: Block Group 1, Block Group 3, Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 61, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71; Tract 10407: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 13, Block 14; Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65; Tract 10500: Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 2, Block 9, Block 10, Block 46; Tract 10601: Block Group 1, Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 55, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104, Block 105, Block 106, Block 107, Block 108, Block 109, Block 110, Block 111, Block 112, Block 113, Block 114, Block 115, Block 116, Block 117, Block 118, Block 119, Block 120, Block 121, Block 122, Block 123, Block 124, Block 125, Block 126, Block 127, Block 128, Block 129, Block 130, Block 131, Block 132, Block 133, Block 134, Block 135, Block 136, Block 137, Block 138, Block 139, Block 140, Block 141, Block 142, Block 143, Block 144, Block 145, Block 146, Block 147, Block 148, Block 149, Block 150, Block 151, Block 152, Block 153, Block 154, Block 155, Block 156, Block 157, Block 158, Block 159, Block 160, Block 161, Block 162, Block 163, Block 164, Block 165, Block 166, Block 167, Block 168, Block 169, Block 170, Block 171, Block 172, Block 173, Block 174, Block 175, Block 176, Block 177, Block 178, Block 179, Block 180, Block 181, Block 182, Block 183, Block 184, Block 190, Block 192, Block 193; Block Group 3: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 13, Block 14, Block 58; Tract 11200: Block Group 1: Block 2; Tract 11402: Block Group 1: Block 8; Tract 12600: Block Group 1: Block 0.

District 5: Lauderdale County, Limestone County, Madison County, Morgan County, Jackson County: Tract 950100, Tract 950200, Tract 950300, Tract 950400, Tract 950500, Tract 950600, Tract 950800, Tract 950900, Tract 951000, Tract 950700: Block Group 1, Block Group 2, Block Group 4, Block Group 3: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99; Tract 951100: Block Group 1, Block Group 2, Block Group 3, Block Group 4: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104, Block 105, Block 106, Block 107; Block Group 5: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82.

District 6: Bibb County, Chilton County, Coosa County, Shelby County, Blount County: Tract 50101, Tract 50102, Tract 50200, Tract 50500, Tract 50601, Tract 50602, Tract 50700, Tract 50300: Block Group 3, Block Group 4, Block Group 2: Block 15, Block 52, Block 56, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 91; Tract 50400: Block Group 3, Block Group 4; Jefferson County: Tract 2306, Tract 4702, Tract 5600, Tract 10001, Tract 10002, Tract 10703, Tract 10705, Tract 10801, Tract 10803, Tract 10804, Tract 10805, Tract 11001, Tract 11002, Tract 11107, Tract 11108, Tract 11109, Tract 11110, Tract 11111, Tract 11205, Tract 11206, Tract 11208, Tract 11210, Tract 11301, Tract 11302, Tract 11400, Tract 11500, Tract 11600, Tract 11703, Tract 11704, Tract 11705, Tract 11706, Tract 12104, Tract 12200, Tract 12403, Tract 12602, Tract 12701, Tract 12703, Tract 12704, Tract 12802, Tract 12803, Tract 12905, Tract 12906, Tract 12907, Tract 12908, Tract 12910, Tract 12911, Tract 12912, Tract 12913, Tract 12914, Tract 12915, Tract 13902, Tract 14001, Tract 14002, Tract 14404, Tract 14405, Tract 14406, Tract 14408, Tract 14409, Tract 14410, Tract 14412, Tract 2303: Block Group 3: Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22; Block Group 4: Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47; Tract 2305: Block Group 2: Block 11, Block 14, Block 18, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 41, Block 42, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59; Tract 2400: Block Group 4: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 9, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25; Block Group 5: Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11; Block Group 6: Block 12, Block 13, Block 15, Block 26, Block 27, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 34; Tract 3500: Block Group 1: Block 22, Block 23, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73; Block Group 3: Block 79, Block 80, Block 95, Block 117, Block 118; Tract 4800: Block Group 1: Block 30; Tract 5500: Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 16, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49; Tract 5903: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 37, Block 38, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44; Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 30; Block Group 3: Block 10, Block 11, Block 14, Block 16, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34; Tract 5910: Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4; Block Group 4: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12; Tract 10702: Block Group 3, Block Group 1: Block 47, Block 48, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104, Block 105; Tract 10704: Block Group 1, Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61; Tract 10706: Block Group 3: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 30, Block 31, Block 34, Block 35, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61; Tract 10802: Block Group 1, Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 101, Block 102, Block 104, Block 105, Block 106, Block 107; Tract 11104: Block Group 4, Block Group 5, Block Group 1: Block 3, Block 4; Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 20; Block Group 6: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 50, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54; Tract 11207: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 31, Block 32, Block 42, Block 56; Tract 11209: Block Group 1: Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 20, Block 21, Block 25, Block 26, Block 53, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 62; Tract 11802: Block Group 4, Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 4, Block 5; Tract 11901: Block Group 1, Block Group 2, Block Group 3: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104, Block 105, Block 106, Block 107, Block 108, Block 109, Block 110, Block 111, Block 112, Block 113, Block 114, Block 115, Block 116, Block 117, Block 118, Block 119, Block 120, Block 121, Block 123, Block 124, Block 125, Block 126, Block 127, Block 131, Block 132, Block 133, Block 134, Block 135, Block 136, Block 137, Block 138, Block 139; Tract 12001: Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 4, Block 5, Block 19, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 83, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 100, Block 122; Tract 12002: Block Group 1, Block Group 2, Block Group 3: Block 0, Block 11; Block Group 4: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 95; Tract 12103: Block Group 2, Block Group 3, Block Group 4, Block Group 1: Block 12, Block 13, Block 28, Block 33; Block Group 5: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 35, Block 36, Block 41, Block 42, Block 65; Tract 12302: Block Group 2, Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104, Block 105, Block 106, Block 107, Block 108, Block 109, Block 110, Block 111, Block 112, Block 113, Block 114, Block 115, Block 116, Block 117, Block 118, Block 119, Block 120, Block 121, Block 122, Block 123, Block 124, Block 125, Block 126, Block 127, Block 128, Block 129, Block 130, Block 131, Block 132, Block 133, Block 134, Block 135, Block 136, Block 137, Block 138, Block 139, Block 140, Block 141, Block 142, Block 143, Block 144, Block 145, Block 146, Block 147, Block 148, Block 149, Block 150, Block 151, Block 152, Block 153, Block 154, Block 155, Block 156, Block 157, Block 158, Block 159, Block 160, Block 161, Block 162, Block 163, Block 164, Block 165, Block 166, Block 167, Block 168, Block 171, Block 172; Tract 12304: Block Group 1, Block Group 2: Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42; Tract 12305: Block Group 3, Block Group 5, Block Group 1: Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 27, Block 28, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 41, Block 42, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69; Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 37, Block 38, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44; Block Group 4: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36; Tract 12401: Block Group 1: Block 19; Tract 12402: Block Group 2, Block Group 1: Block 30, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 59; Block Group 3: Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83; Tract 12500: Block Group 4, Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30; Block Group 3: Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 35, Block 36, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98; Tract 13801: Block Group 1, Block Group 3, Block Group 2: Block 43; Tract 13901: Block Group 1: Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 60, Block 73, Block 75, Block 77, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 105, Block 106, Block 107, Block 108, Block 109, Block 110, Block 111, Block 112, Block 113, Block 114, Block 115, Block 116, Block 117, Block 118, Block 139, Block 140, Block 141, Block 142, Block 143, Block 144, Block 149, Block 150, Block 151, Block 152, Block 153, Block 154, Block 155, Block 157, Block 158, Block 161, Block 162, Block 164, Block 165; Tract 14102: Block Group 3, Block Group 4, Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 103, Block 104, Block 109, Block 114, Block 115, Block 116, Block 117, Block 118, Block 119, Block 120, Block 121, Block 122, Block 123, Block 124, Block 125, Block 126, Block 127, Block 128, Block 129, Block 130, Block 135, Block 136, Block 137, Block 138, Block 140, Block 141, Block 142, Block 143, Block 144, Block 145, Block 146, Block 147, Block 148, Block 149, Block 150, Block 151; Tract 14104: Block Group 1: Block 3; Block Group 2: Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 33, Block 34; Tract 14203: Block Group 3: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104; Tract 14204: Block Group 1, Block Group 2, Block Group 4, Block Group 5, Block Group 6, Block Group 3: Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59; Tract 14413: Block Group 2, Block Group 3, Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 18, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 31, Block 33, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 45, Block 46, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 55, Block 56, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78.

District 7: Choctaw County, Dallas County, Greene County, Hale County, Lowndes County, Marengo County, Perry County, Pickens County, Sumter County, Wilcox County, Clarke County: Tract 957601, Tract 957602, Tract 957700, Tract 958002, Tract 957500: Block Group 1, Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96; Tract 957800: Block Group 3, Block Group 4, Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 8, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 21, Block 26, Block 27, Block 42, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50; Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89; Block Group 5: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 4, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64; Block Group 6: Block 9, Block 10, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63; Tract 957901: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 55, Block 56; Block Group 2: Block 67, Block 89; Tract 957902: Block Group 1: Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 41; Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 33; Block Group 3: Block 19, Block 29, Block 30, Block 33, Block 43; Block Group 4: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 37, Block 58, Block 59, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104, Block 105, Block 106, Block 107, Block 108, Block 109, Block 110, Block 111, Block 112, Block 113, Block 114, Block 115, Block 116, Block 117, Block 118, Block 119, Block 123, Block 124, Block 125, Block 126, Block 127, Block 128, Block 129, Block 130, Block 131; Tract 958001: Block Group 1: Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 53; Jefferson County: Tract 100, Tract 300, Tract 400, Tract 500, Tract 700, Tract 800, Tract 1100, Tract 1200, Tract 1400, Tract 1500, Tract 1600, Tract 1902, Tract 2000, Tract 2100, Tract 2200, Tract 2700, Tract 2900, Tract 3001, Tract 3002, Tract 3100, Tract 3200, Tract 3300, Tract 3400, Tract 3600, Tract 3700, Tract 3802, Tract 3803, Tract 3900, Tract 4000, Tract 4200, Tract 4500, Tract 4701, Tract 4901, Tract 4902, Tract 5000, Tract 5101, Tract 5103, Tract 5104, Tract 5200, Tract 5302, Tract 5701, Tract 5702, Tract 5800, Tract 5905, Tract 5907, Tract 5908, Tract 5909, Tract 10100, Tract 10200, Tract 10301, Tract 10302, Tract 10401, Tract 10402, Tract 10500, Tract 10602, Tract 10603, Tract 10701, Tract 10900, Tract 11803, Tract 11804, Tract 11904, Tract 13002, Tract 13100, Tract 13200, Tract 13300, Tract 13400, Tract 13601, Tract 14105, Tract 14301, Tract 14302, Tract 2303: Block Group 1, Block Group 2, Block Group 3: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17; Block Group 4: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 44; Tract 2305: Block Group 1, Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 12, Block 13, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 27, Block 28, Block 34, Block 35, Block 39, Block 40, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47; Tract 2400: Block Group 1, Block Group 2, Block Group 3, Block Group 4: Block 7, Block 8, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12; Block Group 5: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7; Block Group 6: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 14, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 28, Block 33; Tract 3500: Block Group 2, Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77; Block Group 3: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104, Block 105, Block 106, Block 107, Block 108, Block 109, Block 110, Block 111, Block 112, Block 113, Block 114, Block 115, Block 116, Block 119, Block 120, Block 121, Block 122, Block 123; Tract 4800: Block Group 2, Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 31; Tract 5500: Block Group 1, Block Group 2: Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 14, Block 15, Block 17, Block 18, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90; Tract 5903: Block Group 1: Block 36, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41; Block Group 2: Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33; Block Group 3: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 12, Block 13, Block 15, Block 17, Block 25; Tract 5910: Block Group 1, Block Group 3, Block Group 2: Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40; Block Group 4: Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 13, Block 14; Tract 10702: Block Group 2, Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56; Tract 10704: Block Group 2: Block 40, Block 41; Tract 10706: Block Group 1, Block Group 2, Block Group 4, Block Group 3: Block 29, Block 32, Block 33, Block 36, Block 62; Tract 10802: Block Group 2: Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 92, Block 103; Tract 11104: Block Group 3, Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31; Block Group 2: Block 19, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31; Block Group 6: Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 12, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 51; Tract 11207: Block Group 2, Block Group 1: Block 19, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65; Tract 11209: Block Group 2, Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 54, Block 61; Tract 11802: Block Group 1, Block Group 3, Block Group 5, Block Group 2: Block 1, Block 2, Block 3; Tract 11901: Block Group 3: Block 122, Block 128, Block 129, Block 130; Tract 12001: Block Group 1, Block Group 2: Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 20, Block 26, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104, Block 105, Block 106, Block 107, Block 108, Block 109, Block 110, Block 111, Block 112, Block 113, Block 114, Block 115, Block 116, Block 117, Block 118, Block 119, Block 120, Block 121; Tract 12002: Block Group 3: Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50; Block Group 4: Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 81, Block 82, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94; Tract 12103: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32; Block Group 5: Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 66; Tract 12302: Block Group 1: Block 169, Block 170; Tract 12304: Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1; Tract 12305: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 43, Block 44, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63; Block Group 2: Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 39, Block 40, Block 45; Block Group 4: Block 30, Block 31; Tract 12401: Block Group 2, Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36; Tract 12402: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 42, Block 57, Block 58; Block Group 3: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 25, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 68; Tract 12500: Block Group 1, Block Group 2: Block 13, Block 14, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104, Block 105, Block 106, Block 107, Block 108, Block 109, Block 110, Block 111, Block 112, Block 113, Block 114, Block 115, Block 116, Block 117, Block 118, Block 119, Block 120, Block 121, Block 122, Block 123, Block 124, Block 125, Block 126, Block 127, Block 128, Block 129, Block 130, Block 131, Block 132, Block 133, Block 134, Block 135, Block 136, Block 137, Block 138; Block Group 3: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 99, Block 100, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104, Block 105, Block 106, Block 107, Block 108, Block 109, Block 110, Block 111, Block 112, Block 113, Block 114, Block 115, Block 116, Block 117, Block 118, Block 119, Block 120, Block 121, Block 122, Block 123, Block 124, Block 125, Block 126, Block 127, Block 128, Block 129, Block 130, Block 131, Block 132, Block 133, Block 134, Block 135, Block 136, Block 137, Block 138, Block 139, Block 140, Block 141, Block 142, Block 143, Block 144, Block 145, Block 146, Block 147, Block 148, Block 149, Block 150, Block 151, Block 152, Block 153, Block 154, Block 155, Block 156, Block 157, Block 158, Block 159, Block 160, Block 161, Block 162, Block 163, Block 164, Block 165, Block 166, Block 167, Block 168, Block 169, Block 170, Block 171, Block 172, Block 173, Block 174, Block 175, Block 176, Block 177, Block 178, Block 179, Block 180, Block 181, Block 182, Block 183, Block 184, Block 185, Block 186, Block 187, Block 188, Block 189, Block 190, Block 191, Block 192, Block 193, Block 194, Block 195, Block 196, Block 197, Block 198, Block 199, Block 200, Block 201, Block 202, Block 203, Block 204, Block 205, Block 206, Block 207, Block 208, Block 209, Block 210, Block 211, Block 212, Block 213, Block 214, Block 215, Block 216, Block 217, Block 218, Block 219, Block 220, Block 221, Block 222, Block 223, Block 224, Block 225, Block 226, Block 227, Block 228, Block 229, Block 230, Block 231, Block 232, Block 233, Block 234, Block 235, Block 236, Block 237, Block 238, Block 239, Block 240, Block 241, Block 242, Block 243, Block 244, Block 245; Tract 13801: Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104; Tract 13901: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 74, Block 76, Block 78, Block 79, Block 84, Block 85, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104, Block 119, Block 120, Block 121, Block 122, Block 123, Block 124, Block 125, Block 126, Block 127, Block 128, Block 129, Block 130, Block 131, Block 132, Block 133, Block 134, Block 135, Block 136, Block 137, Block 138, Block 145, Block 146, Block 147, Block 148, Block 156, Block 159, Block 160, Block 163, Block 166, Block 167, Block 168; Tract 14102: Block Group 2, Block Group 1: Block 69, Block 76, Block 86, Block 101, Block 102, Block 105, Block 106, Block 107, Block 108, Block 110, Block 111, Block 112, Block 113, Block 131, Block 132, Block 133, Block 134, Block 139; Tract 14104: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94; Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 32, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68; Tract 14203: Block Group 1, Block Group 2, Block Group 4, Block Group 3: Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 90, Block 91; Tract 14204: Block Group 3: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22; Tract 14413: Block Group 1: Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 32, Block 34, Block 35, Block 43, Block 44, Block 47, Block 53, Block 54, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60; Montgomery County: Tract 700, Tract 1100, Tract 1200, Tract 2202, Tract 2300, Tract 2400, Tract 2900, Tract 3100, Tract 3200, Tract 5902, Tract 6100, Tract 1000: Block Group 1: Block 50, Block 62; Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36; Tract 1300: Block Group 1: Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 17, Block 18, Block 23; Block Group 2: Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28; Tract 1400: Block Group 1: Block 4; Tract 1500: Block Group 3, Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3; Block Group 2: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28; Tract 2201: Block Group 1, Block Group 3, Block Group 4, Block Group 5, Block Group 6, Block Group 2: Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6; Tract 3000: Block Group 3, Block Group 2: Block 1, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53; Tract 5603: Block Group 2; Tract 5610: Block Group 1: Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 53, Block 68; Tract 5901: Block Group 5, Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 18, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82; Block Group 4: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 56; Tract 6000: Block Group 4: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36; Tuscaloosa County: Tract 10602, Tract 10701, Tract 10702, Tract 10703, Tract 10802, Tract 10803, Tract 10804, Tract 11401, Tract 11600, Tract 11701, Tract 11703, Tract 11800, Tract 11901, Tract 11902, Tract 12000, Tract 12100, Tract 12303, Tract 12304, Tract 12305, Tract 12403, Tract 12404, Tract 12405, Tract 12501, Tract 12502, Tract 12503, Tract 12700, Tract 12800, Tract 10101: Block Group 2: Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77; Tract 10201: Block Group 1: Block 101, Block 102; Tract 10301: Block Group 3, Block Group 1: Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104, Block 105, Block 109, Block 110, Block 111, Block 112, Block 113, Block 114, Block 115, Block 116, Block 117, Block 118, Block 119, Block 120, Block 121, Block 130, Block 131; Block Group 2: Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59; Tract 10302: Block Group 3: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 137, Block 141, Block 142, Block 143, Block 144, Block 145, Block 151, Block 152, Block 153, Block 154, Block 155, Block 156, Block 157, Block 158, Block 159, Block 160, Block 161, Block 163, Block 164, Block 165, Block 166, Block 167, Block 168, Block 169, Block 170, Block 171, Block 172, Block 173, Block 174, Block 175, Block 176, Block 177, Block 178, Block 188, Block 190, Block 220, Block 221, Block 222, Block 223, Block 224, Block 225, Block 226, Block 227, Block 235, Block 238, Block 239, Block 241, Block 242, Block 243, Block 244, Block 250, Block 251, Block 252, Block 253, Block 254, Block 255, Block 256, Block 257, Block 267, Block 268, Block 269, Block 291; Tract 10303: Block Group 1: Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104, Block 105, Block 106, Block 107, Block 108, Block 109, Block 110, Block 111, Block 112, Block 113, Block 114, Block 115, Block 116, Block 117, Block 118, Block 119, Block 120, Block 121, Block 122, Block 123, Block 124, Block 125, Block 126, Block 127, Block 128, Block 129, Block 130, Block 131, Block 132, Block 133, Block 134, Block 135, Block 136, Block 137, Block 138, Block 139, Block 140, Block 141, Block 142, Block 143, Block 144, Block 145, Block 146, Block 147, Block 148, Block 149, Block 150, Block 151, Block 152, Block 153, Block 154, Block 155, Block 156, Block 157, Block 158, Block 159, Block 160, Block 161, Block 162, Block 163, Block 164, Block 165, Block 166, Block 167, Block 168, Block 169, Block 170, Block 171, Block 172, Block 173, Block 174, Block 175, Block 176, Block 177, Block 178, Block 179, Block 180, Block 181, Block 182, Block 183, Block 184, Block 185, Block 186, Block 187, Block 188, Block 189, Block 190, Block 191, Block 192, Block 193, Block 194, Block 195, Block 196, Block 197, Block 198, Block 199, Block 200, Block 201, Block 202, Block 203; Tract 10403: Block Group 2, Block Group 3, Block Group 1: Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 45; Tract 10404: Block Group 2, Block Group 3, Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33; Tract 10405: Block Group 2: Block 66; Tract 10406: Block Group 2: Block 60, Block 62; Tract 10407: Block Group 1: Block 4, Block 5, Block 12, Block 15, Block 16; Block Group 2: Block 53, Block 54; Tract 10500: Block Group 1, Block Group 2: Block 1, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71; Tract 10601: Block Group 2: Block 53, Block 54, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 185, Block 186, Block 187, Block 188, Block 189, Block 191, Block 194, Block 195; Block Group 3: Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57; Tract 11200: Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83, Block 84, Block 85, Block 86, Block 87, Block 88, Block 89, Block 90, Block 91, Block 92, Block 93, Block 94, Block 95, Block 96, Block 97, Block 98, Block 99, Block 100, Block 101, Block 102, Block 103, Block 104, Block 105, Block 106, Block 107, Block 108, Block 109, Block 110; Tract 11402: Block Group 2, Block Group 1: Block 0, Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39; Tract 12600: Block Group 1: Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, Block 5, Block 6, Block 7, Block 8, Block 9, Block 10, Block 11, Block 12, Block 13, Block 14, Block 15, Block 16, Block 17, Block 18, Block 19, Block 20, Block 21, Block 22, Block 23, Block 24, Block 25, Block 26, Block 27, Block 28, Block 29, Block 30, Block 31, Block 32, Block 33, Block 34, Block 35, Block 36, Block 37, Block 38, Block 39, Block 40, Block 41, Block 42, Block 43, Block 44, Block 45, Block 46, Block 47, Block 48, Block 49, Block 50, Block 51, Block 52, Block 53, Block 54, Block 55, Block 56, Block 57, Block 58, Block 59, Block 60, Block 61, Block 62, Block 63, Block 64, Block 65, Block 66, Block 67, Block 68, Block 69, Block 70, Block 71, Block 72, Block 73, Block 74, Block 75, Block 76, Block 77, Block 78, Block 79, Block 80, Block 81, Block 82, Block 83.

(b) This section contains lists of census tracts, blocks, and counties as generated by complex computer software based upon maps drawn by the Legislature. The official maps, which reflect the true intent of the Legislature in the establishment of districts, shall be retained in the office of the Secretary of State and printed as a part of the Acts. In the event of any conflict, it is the intention of the Legislature that the boundary descriptions provided by the official maps shall prevail over the boundary descriptions provided by the census tracts, blocks, and counties generated for and specified in this section.

 

Section 17-14-71

Election of congressional representative.

Each congressional district described in Section 17-14-70 is entitled to elect one representative in the Congress of the United States, who shall be chosen by the qualified electors of the district at the general election in each even-numbered year.

 

Section 17-14-72

Making returns to Secretary of State.

In all elections for representatives in Congress, the canvassing board of each county must, within five days after making the statement of the county vote by precincts, return the result of the same to the Secretary of State.

 

Section 17-14-73

Governor to estimate returns and give notice of election.

Within 22 days after the time for making the returns, the Governor, in the presence of the Secretary of State and Attorney General, or either of them in the absence of the other, must estimate the returns, ascertain which candidates are elected and notify them by proclamation.

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Title 17 – Chapter 15

Chapter 15 – SPECIAL ELECTIONS

 

Section 17-15-1

When and for what offices held.

Special elections are to be held in the following cases:

(1) When a vacancy occurs in the office of senator or representative in the Legislature, when the Legislature will be in session prior to the next general election for that office.

(2) When a vacancy occurs in the office of representative in the Congress of the United States, by which the state may be deprived of its full representation at any time Congress will be in session prior to the next general election for that office.

(3) Whenever any general or special election for members of the Legislature or for representatives in Congress is not held.

(4) When any vacancy occurs in any state or county office filled by election of the people not otherwise provided for by the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, or laws of this state.

(5) In such other cases as are or may be provided for by law.

 

Section 17-15-2

Day for holding special elections.

All special elections shall be held on such day as the Governor may direct.

 

Section 17-15-3

Special elections ordered by Governor.

All special elections provided for by this chapter are to be ordered by the Governor, who must issue writs of election, directed to the judge of probate of the counties in which such election is required to be held and must specify therein the district or county in which, and the day on which, such election is to be held; the cause and object of the same; the name of the person in whose office the vacancy has occurred and, in all cases in which a special election is directed in a district composed of more than one county, such election must be directed to be held on the same day in each county.

 

Section 17-15-4

Proclamation of election for Congress or state officers.

The Governor must give notice of any special election for representatives in Congress, or state officers, by proclamation.

 

Section 17-15-5

Judge of probate to give notice of elections in county.

Whenever the judge of probate of any county receives a writ of election directing a special election to be held or receives notice of a special election for representatives in Congress or for any state or county officers, such judge of probate must immediately give notice by proclamation of the time, place, and object of such election as provided by law.

 

Section 17-15-6

Notification of sheriff and clerk of circuit court.

When any special election is ordered by the Governor, the judge of probate of the counties in which such election is to be held must, within three days after receiving notice thereof, notify the sheriff and clerk of the circuit court of their respective counties of such special election.

 

Section 17-15-7

How conducted and certificates given.

Special elections are to be held and conducted, the returns thereof made and certificates given, and, unless otherwise expressly provided, regulated in all respects by the provisions in relation to general elections.

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Title 17 – Chapter 16

Chapter 16 – POST ELECTION PROCEDURES

 

Article 1 General Provisions

 

Section 17-16-1

Preservation of voted ballot containers and records of election containers; electronic voting specialists.

(a) The voted ballot containers and records of election containers shall remain sealed for the time provided by law for the filing of contests and then shall have the seal broken only on the order of that body which, under the general provisions of law, now has charge of and control over voted ballot containers and records of election containers in that county, municipality, or other political subdivision. If, in the opinion of such body, a contest has developed or is likely to develop, the containers shall remain sealed until such time as ordered opened by the court hearing the contest, or until a final determination of the contest. On the order of any court of competent jurisdiction or on the order of any legislative body or governing body having jurisdiction over such election, the seal may be broken for the purpose of proper investigation and when such investigation is completed, the voted ballot containers and records of election containers shall again be sealed and across the containers shall be written the signature of the person or persons having broken the seal. The inspector shall securely seal all records taken from an electronic voting machine in an envelope or container and on the outside thereof label the envelope or container in such manner as to indicate plainly the electronic voting machine from which they were removed and the month, day, and the year of the election of which they are records. Each election official shall certify to the accuracy of the record and shall sign the envelope or container across the seal. This certificate and all other records removed from the electronic voting machines shall be delivered to the sheriff after an election and preserved by the sheriff for the appropriate length of time and then destroyed.

(b) In addition to the custodian now authorized by law, a county commission may employ electronic voting specialists to serve as trouble shooters during elections. These persons are to be trained in the operation of electronic voting equipment and in these procedures. Specialists may be sent to assist in any precinct when accompanied by the sheriff or sheriff’s deputy, but they shall not assume the title or authority of the regular poll workers assigned to a precinct.

 

Section 17-16-2

Reimbursing counties for election expenses – “Expenses” defined.

As used in this chapter, the term “expenses” shall include the following items and any other items approved as reimbursable expenses by the Election Expense Reimbursement Committee pursuant to Section 17-16-2.1:

(1) The compensation and mileage provided by law for election officials.

(2) The compensation provided by law for the clerk or other official acting as absentee election manager.

(3) The costs of ballots, supplies, and other materials or equipment necessary for election officials to conduct elections as required by law and as certified by the judge of probate as chief election official of the county.

(4) The costs of absentee ballots, supplies, postage, and other materials required by law to be furnished to the absentee election manager.

(5) The cost of preparing and furnishing the lists of qualified electors to the election officials as required by law.

(6) The cost of publishing any notice or other item related to any election and required by law, including, but not limited to, the publication of notice of any election and any voter lists.

 

Section 17-16-2.1

Reimbursing counties for election expenses — Election Expense Reimbursement Committee.

(a) There is hereby established an Election Expense Reimbursement Committee designated to identify any election costs not included in Section 17-16-2, which costs shall be included as a reimbursable election expense under this chapter. The committee shall consist of the following:

(1) The President Pro Tempore of the Alabama Senate.

(2) The Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives.

(3) The Secretary of State or his or her designee.

(4) The Director of Finance or his or her designee.

(5) The Chair of the Senate Constitution, Campaign Finance, Ethics and Election Committee or its successor committee.

(6) The Chair of the House Constitution, Campaign and Elections Committee or its successor committee.

(7) The Chair of the Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee or its successor committee.

(8) The Chair of the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee or its successor committee.

(b) The committee shall meet not less than 90 days prior to the 2012 state primary to develop and approve the list of reimbursable expenses for the upcoming election cycle. After the list has been approved by the committee, it shall be forwarded to the Comptroller’s office. The Comptroller shall distribute the list to the chair of each county commission and each probate judge in the state no later than 60 days prior to the date of the primary. The list of approved expenses shall apply in all elections and remain in effect until and unless amended by the committee at least 90 days prior to the primary in a subsequent election cycle.

 

Section 17-16-3

Reimbursing counties for election expenses — Both federal or state and county offices.

Except as provided in Section 17-8-12, the State of Alabama shall reimburse a county for one half of all sums expended by the county in payment of expenses incurred in holding and conducting an election in which candidates for both federal or state and county offices are nominated or both federal or state and county officials are elected.

 

Section 17-16-4

Reimbursing counties for election expenses – Only federal or state offices.

The State of Alabama shall reimburse a county for all sums expended by the county in payment of expenses as provided for in Sections 17-16-2 and 17-16-2.1 and incurred in holding and conducting an election in which only candidates for federal or state offices are nominated or federal or state officials are elected. For the purposes of this section, a candidate for federal or state office includes a candidate seeking election as a district representative for a federal or state office appearing on the ballot in any portion of a county.

 

Section 17-16-5

Reimbursing counties for election expenses – Constitutional amendments in general.

Except as provided in Section 17-8-12, the State of Alabama shall reimburse a county for one half of all sums expended by the county in payment of expenses incurred in holding and conducting an election at which both amendments to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901 affecting one or more counties or subdivisions thereof and amendments affecting the State of Alabama as a whole are voted upon.

 

Section 17-16-6

Reimbursing counties for election expenses – Constitutional amendments affecting state as a whole.

The State of Alabama shall reimburse a county for all sums expended by the county in payment of expenses incurred in holding and conducting an election at which only amendments to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901 affecting the State of Alabama as a whole are voted upon.

 

Section 17-16-7

Reimbursing counties for election expenses – Appropriation.

There is hereby appropriated of any funds in the State Treasury not otherwise appropriated such sum or sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of Sections 17-16-2 through 17-16-6.

 

Article 2 Recounts Generally

 

Section 17-16-20

Recounts generally.

(a) When, in a general election, the election returns for any public office, including a judicial office, reflect that a candidate is defeated or any ballot statewide measure is defeated by not more than one half of one percent of the votes cast for the office, or the ballot measure, as certified by the appropriate election officer, a recount shall be held unless the defeated candidate submits a written waiver for the recount as provided herein:

(1) In the case of an election for any federal, state, circuit, or district office, or the state Senate, state House of Representatives, or any other office that is not a county office, a written waiver for a recount may be submitted to the Secretary of State within 24 hours after the certification of the results of the election. Upon receipt of the waiver, the Secretary of State shall immediately order the recount to be cancelled.

(2) In the case of an election for any county office, a written waiver for a recount may be submitted to the judge of probate within 24 hours after the certification of the results of the election. Upon receipt of the waiver, the judge of probate shall immediately order the recount to be cancelled.

(b) Any recount held pursuant to subsection (a) shall be commenced within 72 hours after certification of the results of a county election by the county canvassing board and within 72 hours after certification of the results of a state election by the state canvassing board.

(c) The canvassing board shall obtain the polling officials necessary to conduct the recount as required by this section to perform a recount of the vote. The polling officials shall be compensated in the same manner and at the same rate as provided by law for vote tabulation activities in an election that does not result in a recount.

(d) The expenses of a recount conducted pursuant to subsection (a) shall be a state charge if the recount is held for an election for a federal, state, circuit, or district office, or the state Senate, state House of Representatives, or any other office that is not a county office. The expenses of a recount conducted pursuant to subsection (a) shall be a county charge if the recount is held for an election for county office.

(e) If a recount is conducted pursuant to subsection (a), the appropriate canvassing board or authority shall amend the initial certification of the election to reflect the results of the recount. The results of the recount shall be posted as the initial count and transmitted to the Secretary of State within 24 hours.

(f) If a recount is conducted pursuant to subsection (a), the time limit for contesting the election shall be suspended until the vote is recertified, reflecting the results of the recount.

(g) Costs shall be kept to a minimum by using county personnel or volunteer workers whenever possible. The recount shall be conducted under the supervision of a trained and certified poll official. Representatives of opposing interests shall be given at least 24 hours’ notice and shall be invited to participate in the recount.

(h) The recount shall be conducted as simply as the type of equipment and local conditions permit provided that the following minimum safeguards are observed. The voted ballot container or envelope holding the ballots shall be delivered unopened, and still sealed in the original container, to the inspector in charge of the recount. A representative of the authority having custody of the ballots shall be present during the recount. The recount shall consist of reading the ballots through the counter. Any ballot that was counted in the original election, but is rejected by the counter in the recount, shall be counted by hand. Representatives of opposing interests may participate in the hand recount, and any unresolved disputes over the interpretation of the intent of the voter may be appealed to the canvassing board.

(i) When the recount has been completed, the ballots shall be returned to their container along with a printout of the recount results. The ballot container shall be sealed and signed by the inspector conducting the recount and by the representative of the authority having custody of the ballots.

(j) If the results of a recount conducted under subsection (a) name as a winner a person other than the person initially certified, the outcome shall constitute grounds for an election contest as now prescribed by law.

 

Section 17-16-21

Recount procedures.

(a) Any person with standing to contest the election under Sections 17-16-40 and 17-16-47 may petition the canvassing authority for a recount of any or all precinct returns. The time period for requesting a recount begins with the production of the certificate of result and ends 48 hours after the official canvass of county returns. The canvassing authority is the canvassing board in general elections and the county executive committee in a party primary. The petitioner must be prepared to pay the cost of the recount and shall give security to cover these costs. The canvassing authority shall set the amount of the security based upon an estimate of actual costs. The costs shall be kept to a minimum by using county personnel or volunteer workers whenever possible. However, the recount must be conducted under the supervision of a trained and certified precinct election official. Representatives of opposing interests shall be given at least 24 hours’ notice and shall be invited to participate in the recount.

(b) The recount should be conducted as simply as the type of equipment and local conditions permit provided that the following minimum safeguards are observed. The container or envelope holding the ballots shall be delivered unopened to the inspector in charge of the recount. The sheriff or sheriff’s representative shall be present during the recount. The electronic voting machine shall be retested before the recount. The recount shall consist of reading the ballots through the counter. Any ballot that was counted in the original election but is rejected by the counter in the recount shall be counted by hand. Representatives of opposing interests have the right to participate in the hand count, and any unresolved disputes over the interpretation of the voter’s intent may be appealed to the canvassing authority.

(c) When the recount has been completed, the ballots shall be returned to their container along with a printout of the recount results. The ballot container shall be sealed and signed by the inspector conducting the recount and the sheriff or sheriff’s representative.

(d) If the recount produces a change in precinct totals of sufficient magnitude to alter the result of the election, the outcome shall constitute grounds for an election contest as now prescribed by law. If the recount of the resulting contest alters the result of the election, the cost of the recount shall be borne by the county.

 

Article 3 Election Contests

 

Section 17-16-40

Grounds of contest.

The election of any person declared elected to the office of Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, Public Service Commissioner, senator or representative in the Legislature, justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the courts of appeals, judge of the circuit court or district court, or any office which is filled by the vote of a single county, or to the office of constable may be contested by any person who was at the time of either of the elections a qualified elector for any of the following causes:

(1) Malconduct, fraud, or corruption on the part of any inspector, clerk, returning officer, canvassing board, or other person.

(2) When the person whose election to office is contested was not eligible thereto at the time of such election.

(3) On account of illegal votes.

(4) On account of the rejection of legal votes.

(5) Offers to bribe, bribery, intimidation, or other malconduct calculated to prevent a fair, free, and full exercise of the elective franchise.

(6) The results of a recount conducted under Section 17-16-20 name as a winner a person other than the person initially certified.

 

Section 17-16-41

When election not annulled.

No malconduct, fraud, or corruption on the part of the inspector, clerk, returning officer, canvassing board, or other person, nor any offers to bribe, bribery, intimidation, or other malconduct which prevented a fair, free, and full exercise of the elective franchise can annul or set aside any election unless thereby the person declared elected and whose election is contested is shown not to have received the highest number of legal votes, nor may any election contested under the provisions of this title be annulled or set aside because of illegal votes given to the person whose election is contested, unless it appears that the number of illegal votes given to such person, if taken from him or her, would reduce the number of votes given to him or her below the number of legal votes given to some other person for the same office. No election shall be annulled or set aside because of the rejection of legal votes unless it appears that such legal votes, if given to the person intended, would increase the number of the person’s legal votes to or above the number of legal votes received by any other person for the same office.

 

Section 17-16-42

Voter must answer as to qualifications.

Any person examined as a witness may be required to answer if he or she voted at the election contested and to answer touching his or her qualifications; and if he or she was not at such election a qualified voter, he or she may be required to answer for whom he or she voted. If he or she makes full, true answers which may tend to incriminate him or her, he or she shall not be prosecuted for voting at such election.

 

Section 17-16-43

Either party may have copy of registration and poll lists.

It shall be the duty of the judge of probate of any county, upon the application of either party to any contest, or his or her agent or attorney, to deliver to the party, his or her agent or attorney, a certified copy of the registration lists and poll lists (one or both) of his or her county, or of any election precinct therein, upon the payment of his or her fees for certifying and copying the same at the rate of one dollar ($1) per page in making such copy; and such copies, duly certified, shall be received as presumptive evidence of the facts therein stated; the registration lists that the persons therein named were duly registered, and the poll lists that the persons therein named voted at the election and precinct therein named.

 

Section 17-16-44

Jurisdiction in election contests; appeal.

No jurisdiction exists in or shall be exercised by any judge or court to entertain any proceeding for ascertaining the legality, conduct, or results of any election, except so far as authority to do so shall be specially and specifically enumerated and set down by statute; and any injunction, process, or order from any judge or court, whereby the results of any election are sought to be inquired into, questioned, or affected, or whereby any certificate of election is sought to be inquired into or questioned, save as may be specially and specifically enumerated and set down by statute, shall be null and void and shall not be enforced by any officer or obeyed by any person. If any judge or other officer hereafter undertakes to fine or in any wise deal with any person for disobeying any such prohibited injunction, process, or order, such attempt shall be null and void, and an appeal shall lie forthwith therefrom to the Supreme Court then sitting, or next to sit, without bond, and such proceedings shall be suspended by force of such appeal; and the notice to be given of such appeal shall be 14 days.

 

Section 17-16-45

Examination of ballots, voting equipment, etc.

In all election contests other than political party primaries or runoffs, any person or candidate involved in the contest is entitled to make an examination of the ballots cast, given, or rejected in the election, to make an examination of the voting equipment used in the election, and to make an examination of voting machine computations or printouts.

 

Section 17-16-46

Procedure for examination of ballots, voting machines, etc.; bond.

In all election contests involving elections other than party primaries or runoffs:

(1) The examining person or candidate seeking to examine the ballots, electronic voting machines, or electronic voting machine computations or printouts must move, within 10 days of the filing of the contest, the court before whom the election contest is pending for an examination. The court shall set a hearing on the motion for examination which must take place within 10 days after service of the motion on the parties and candidates involved in the election contest. The hearing shall be held to determine the procedures to be used for the examination and the court shall, within five days after the hearing, set forth the procedures for the examination. Absent a subsequent court order extending the time for reasonable cause shown, the examination must be finished within 15 days of the court order which sets forth the examination procedures.

(2) Examination procedures shall be within the discretion of the court. The court shall consider, in determining appropriate procedures, the need to preserve the integrity of the ballots, electronic voting machines, and electronic voting machine computations and printouts; the need to ensure that votes were accurately cast and counted; the need to ensure that all persons and candidates involved in the election have the opportunity to observe the examination and ensure that an examination does not wrongfully alter the election results; the need to expeditiously conclude the election contest; and any other factor which is relevant to the integrity of the election process. The court must, when so requested by any party or candidate involved in the contest, allow such party or candidate, and his or her agents, to observe all of the examination proceedings.

(3) The court shall require the examining party or candidate to make a deposit with the court or post a bond in a sum adequate to ensure prompt payment of all reasonable, necessary, and actual expenses incurred by any governmental entity during and as a result of the examination. If the examining person or candidate prevails in the election contest as a result of information obtained from the examination of the ballots, electronic voting machines, or electronic voting machine computations or printouts, he or she shall not be responsible for any expenses or costs incurred by any governmental entity during and as a result of the examination.

 

Section 17-16-47

Statement of grounds of contest.

When any elector chooses to contest the election of any person declared to be elected to the office of senator or representative in the Legislature, judge of the circuit court or district court, any office which is filled by the vote of a single county, or constable, he or she must make a statement in writing setting forth specifically:

(1) The name of the party contesting and that he or she was a qualified voter when the election was held.

(2) The office which the election was held to fill and the time of holding the same.

(3) The particular grounds of the contest.

This statement must be verified by the affidavit of such contesting party to the effect that the same is believed to be true. If the reception of illegal votes is alleged as a cause of contest, it is a sufficient statement of cause to allege that illegal votes were given to the person whose election is contested, which, if taken from that person, will reduce the number of legal votes given to the person to or below the number of legal votes given to some other person for the same office.

 

Section 17-16-48

Notice of nature of evidence.

No testimony must be received of any illegal votes or of the rejection of any legal votes in any contested election commenced under the provisions of this article unless the party complaining thereof has given to the adverse party notice in writing of the number of illegal votes and by whom given and for whom given, and at what precinct or voting place cast, or the number of legal votes rejected, and by whom offered, and at what precinct or voting place cast, which the party expects to prove on the trial. Such notice must be served personally or left at the residence or usual place of business of the adverse party at least 10 days before the taking of testimony in reference to such votes.

 

Section 17-16-49

When contest commenced; security for costs.

All contests of elections provided for in this article must be commenced within 20 days after the result of the election is declared, except as in this article otherwise provided; and at the time of commencing such contest and the filing of the statement in writing, the party contesting must give security for the cost of such contest, to be filed and approved as provided in this article.

 

Section 17-16-50

Contest of senator or representative in Legislature – Filing.

If the contest is of the election of a senator or representative in the Legislature, the elector contesting must file in the office of the clerk of the circuit court of any county of the senatorial district, if such contest is of the election of a senator, or in the office of the clerk of the circuit court of the county in which the election was held, if the contest is of the election of a representative in the Legislature, a statement in writing of the grounds of contest, as provided in this article, and must give good and sufficient security for the costs of such contest, to be taken and approved by the clerk. The person whose election is contested must have 10 days’ notice of the statement in writing before the taking of testimony. Notice shall be served by service of a certified copy of such statement by the sheriff or a constable of the county, and such sheriff or constable must endorse on the original the fact of such service and such endorsement is presumptive evidence of the fact.

 

Section 17-16-51

Contest of senator or representative in Legislature – Testimony.

The testimony in the case of a contest provided for in Section 17-16-50 must be taken by deposition under commission issued by the clerk of the court where the statement of contest is filed, which commission must issue upon the party applying for the same making and filing an affidavit stating the name of the witnesses, the place of residence of such witnesses, and that the testimony sought and expected is material. The depositions must be taken on interrogatories filed in the office of the clerk after making and filing the affidavit and of the interrogatories and affidavit and the names and residence of the commissioner or commissioners proposed to be appointed, 10 days’ notice must be given the adverse party by service on him or her personally or by leaving at his or her usual place of residence or business a copy of the interrogatories and affidavit, to which must be appended notice of the name and residence of the commissioner proposed to be appointed. Such service must be made by the sheriff or a constable of the county, and within 10 days thereafter such adverse party may file cross-interrogatories, to which the party filing the interrogatories may file rebutting interrogatories, and thereafter commission may issue. The commissioner must give each party five days’ notice in writing of the time and place of taking the depositions, which notice may be served by the sheriff or a constable of the county. If the witnesses reside or are to be examined within the county, the adverse party is entitled to demand that they be examined orally, separate and apart from each other, on giving notice within the 10 days allowed to file cross-interrogatories that such examination is required; and if such notice be given, the commission issued must not be accompanied by the interrogatories filed, and must authorize and direct the commissioner to examine the witnesses orally, separate and apart from each other, after giving each party five days’ notice of the time and place of the examination. In the execution of all commissions to take testimony under this section, the commissioner must conform to and observe the requirements of the statutes and rules concerning the taking of depositions in civil actions and has and may exercise all the power and authority by the statute conferred on commissioners; and against defaulting witnesses all such proceedings may be had and taken as are authorized by the statutes and rules.

 

Section 17-16-52

Contest of senator or representative in Legislature – Depositions returned.

The commissioner must carefully envelop the depositions taken, with the commission attached, writing his or her name across the sealing of the envelope and endorsing thereon the names of the witnesses and the title and subject matter of the contest, and direct the envelope to the clerk issuing the commission, and must, within five days after taking the deposition, file the same with the clerk, or transmit the same by mail through the nearest post office. The clerk, within five days after the taking of testimony has been finished and the depositions received in his or her office, must make and certify under the seal of the court a true and correct copy of the statement of the grounds of contest and of return of service thereon, and must enclose the same with the depositions so taken and filed in his or her office, and must securely envelop the same, endorsing thereon the title and subject matter of the contest, and direct the package to the presiding officer of that branch of the Legislature before which the contest is to be tried, at the seat of government and deposit the same, postage paid, in the nearest post office.

 

Section 17-16-53

Contest of senator or representative in Legislature – Costs taxed.

The package mailed by the clerk must be opened by the presiding officer and presented to the house over which he or she presides for such action as such house may deem proper. On the determination of the contest, the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House, as the case may be, must certify the result thereof to the clerk of the court in which the statement of contest was filed. The certificate must be filed in the office of the clerk and shall have the force and effect of a judgment against the unsuccessful party for the costs of the contest. And the clerk having taxed the costs, allowing the fees and costs allowed for similar services in civil cases at law, must issue execution for the amount thereof in the name of the successful party. If the party contesting the election is the unsuccessful party, the unsuccessful party sureties must pay the costs of the contest.

 

Section 17-16-54

Contest of election of judge of circuit or district court – Procedure generally.

If the contest is of an election to the office of judge of the circuit court or of the district court, the party contesting must file in the office of the judge of probate of the county of the residence of the person declared elected, a statement in writing of the grounds of contest, verified by affidavit, as prescribed in this article, and must give good and sufficient security for the costs of the contest, to be approved by the judge of probate. On the filing of the statement and the giving of the security, the judge of probate must endorse thereon an order appointing a day for the trial of the contest, not less than 30 nor more than 50 days from the day of the reception of the certified statement and fixing the place of trial, which must be at some place in the circuit or district in which the election was held, and where a circuit or district court is required to be held, and must issue a summons directed to the person whose election is contested, accompanied with a certified copy of the statement requiring the person to appear within 10 days after the service of the summons and make answer to the statement, which summons shall be served by the sheriff or a constable at least 20 days before the day appointed for the trial. The testimony must be taken by deposition, as is prescribed in Section 17-16-55.

 

Section 17-16-55

Contest of election of judge of circuit or district court – Testimony; heard without jury.

The testimony on the contest must be taken by deposition as in civil cases at common law, but no affidavit, other than that of the materiality of the testimony of the witnesses proposed to be examined, shall be required. Either party may, on giving five days’ notice, require the examination before the commissioner to be oral and that the witnesses be examined separate and apart from each other. The party against whom the depositions are to be taken must have at least five days’ notice of the time and place of taking such depositions and of the name and residence of the commissioner or commissioners proposed. The contest must be heard and determined by the court without the intervention of a jury.

 

Section 17-16-56

Contest of election of judge of probate court and other county and municipal officers – Generally.

If the contest is of an election to the office of judge of the probate court, sheriff, tax assessor, tax collector, county treasurer, clerk of the circuit court, or any other office filled by the vote of a single county or any subdivision thereof, or any office of a city or town not in this article otherwise provided for, the party contesting must file in the office of the clerk of the circuit court of the county in which the election was held, a statement in writing, verified by affidavit, of the grounds of the contest as provided in this article and must give good and sufficient security for the costs of the contest, to be approved by the clerk. On the filing of the statement and the giving of the security, the clerk must enter the contest on the trial docket as a civil action pending in the court for trial, and, after having made such entry, the clerk must issue a summons, accompanied by a copy of the statement directed to the party whose election is contested, requiring the party, within five days after the service of the summons, to appear and make answer to the statement, which summons must be served by the sheriff or by a constable, if the contest is with respect to the office of sheriff. The contest is triable by the court without the intervention of a jury and must be heard and tried in precedence of all other cases, civil or criminal, standing for trial in the court. Either party is entitled to the writ of subpoena to compel the personal attendance of witnesses on the trial of the contest, and against defaulting witnesses such proceedings may be had as against other defaulting witnesses in civil cases pending in the court. Testimony may also be taken by depositions in the case, and in like manner as depositions are taken in other civil cases.

 

Section 17-16-57

Contest of election of judge of probate court and other county and municipal officers – Court open at all times.

For the purpose of hearing and determining any contest instituted under the provisions of Section 17-16-56, the circuit court shall at all times be open.

 

Section 17-16-58

Ballots may be examined.

In all contests of elections before the judge of probate or the circuit court, the judge presiding is authorized to make an examination of the ballots given or rejected in the election so far as the judge may deem it necessary to arrive at a correct judgment, and may make and enforce by attachment all necessary orders to obtain possession of the same, and must make all proper orders necessary for the return of the ballots to the proper custody after same have been examined by him or her.

 

Section 17-16-59

Judgment of court.

If, on the trial of the contest of any election, either before the judge of probate or the circuit court, it shall appear that any person other than the one whose election is contested, received or would have received, had the ballots intended for the person and illegally rejected been received, the highest number of legal votes, judgment must be given declaring such person duly elected, and such judgment shall have the force and effect of investing the person thereby declared elected, with full right and title to have and to hold the office to which the person is declared elected. If it appears that two or more persons have, or would have had, if the ballots intended for them and illegally rejected had been received, the highest and equal number of votes for such office, judgment must be entered declaring the fact, and such fact must be certified to the officer having authority to fill vacancies in the office the election to which was contested. If the person whose election is contested is found to be ineligible to the office, judgment must be entered declaring the election void and the fact certified to the appointing power. If the party whose election is contested is found to have been duly and legally elected, judgment must be entered declaring the party entitled to have and to hold the office to which the party was so elected.

 

Section 17-16-60

Contest not abated by death of contestant.

In all contests of elections, such contests are not abated by the death of the party commencing them before final judgment, if any qualified elector appears in court and substitutes as a contestant and gives good and sufficient security for the costs which have accrued or may accrue on the contest. But if no qualified elector appears and proposes to substitute as the party contesting, the contest abates on the death of the contesting party, and judgment must be rendered against the sureties for the costs of the contest, which must be collected by execution in the name of the party whose election was contested. In all cases the person whose election is contested, if the successful party in such contest, is entitled to judgment for the cost thereof against the party contesting and the sureties, for which execution may issue returnable to the court of probate or to the circuit court, as the case may be.

 

Section 17-16-61

Appeals – Generally.

In all contested elections before the judge of probate, an appeal lies to the Supreme Court within 14 days after the rendition of the judgment. From the judgment of the circuit court on the contest of an election of a judge of probate or sheriff or any other officer mentioned in Section 17-16-56, an appeal lies to the Supreme Court within 14 days after the rendition of the judgment.

 

Section 17-16-62

Appeals – Costs.

On the taking of an appeal as provided in Section 17-16-61, the appellant must give bond and security for the costs thereof to be approved by the judge of probate or clerk of the circuit court, as the appeal may be taken from the judgment of the judge of probate or circuit court, and the appeal bond must be certified with the record to the appellate court, and if judgment is entered confirming the judgment of the judge of probate or of the circuit court, the Supreme Court must render judgment against the appellant and his or her sureties for the costs. An appeal in any and all cases suspends the execution of the judgment or decree of the judge of probate or of the circuit court.

 

Section 17-16-63

Statement – Filing; bond.

When any elector shall choose to contest any election for the office of Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, justices of the Supreme Court, or judges of the courts of appeals, the elector, within 10 days after the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall have opened the returns and proclaimed the result of the election for Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, justices of the Supreme Court, or judges of the courts of appeals, as provided in this chapter, must file with the Speaker of the House of Representatives a written statement of the grounds of such contest and a bond with good and sufficient sureties payable to the State of Alabama and conditioned for the payment of such costs as may accrue upon such contest in the event such contest shall result in favor of the contestee. Such bond must be in the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000) and must be subject to the approval of the Speaker of the House, and such bond, when it shall be approved, shall be filed and recorded in the office of the Secretary of State.

 

Section 17-16-64

Statement – Contents of statement; verification; service; amendments.

The written statement of the grounds of contest must set forth specifically:

(1) The name of the person contesting and that the person was a qualified voter when the election was held.

(2) The office which the election was held to fill, and the time of holding the same.

(3) The particular grounds of contest.

(4) The name of the counties in which any of the alleged grounds of the contest may have occurred, and shall state with particularity the names of the election precinct in each of such counties in which the grounds of contest may be alleged to have occurred.

(5) The grounds on which the declared voter of each of the named election precincts in each county is contested.

Such statement of the grounds of contest must be sworn to by the elector making the contest before some officer authorized to administer oaths in the State of Alabama, and may be amended from time to time as may be determined by the two houses of the Legislature in joint convention assembled. The Speaker of the House shall cause the Clerk of the House forthwith to serve a copy of the statement on the person who may have been declared to have been elected to the contested office.

 

Section 17-16-65

Tried by joint convention of House and Senate.

The two houses of the Legislature, in joint convention assembled, and presided over by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, shall constitute the tribunal for the trial of all contests for the office of Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, justices of the Supreme Court, or judges of the courts of appeals and such joint convention shall fix a day for the trial, which may be adjourned from day to day, and from time to time, as may be determined by the joint convention. A majority of the joint convention shall be competent to try all issues involved in the contest and render judgment on all questions arising during the progress of the trial, including a final judgment on the contest. The proceedings of the joint convention, as well as all judgments rendered, shall be entered upon the journals of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the final judgment of the joint convention upon the contest shall thereupon become effective as a judgment and shall have the force and effect of vesting the title to the office, which may be the subject of contest in the person in whose favor the judgment may be rendered.

 

Section 17-16-66

Commission elected to take testimony.

When any contest shall have been commenced under the provisions of this article for any of the officers mentioned in Section 17-16-65, it shall be the duty of the Legislature, in joint convention, to elect by ballot three senators and five representatives, who shall act as a commission to take the testimony to be submitted on the contest. Every member of the joint convention, at such time, as may be fixed by resolution of the two houses, shall vote for two senators and three representatives as members of the commission, and the three senators and five representatives who receive the highest number of votes shall be declared elected commissioners.

 

Section 17-16-67

Sitting of commission.

The commission provided for in Section 17-16-66 shall sit at such times and places as may be directed by the joint convention, and shall be presided over by a chair of its own selection, and each member of the commission shall receive four dollars ($4) per diem during the time of actual sitting when the Legislature is not in session, and necessary expenses, to be paid by the Comptroller’s warrant drawn upon the Treasurer, when the chair of the commission shall certify the same to the Comptroller.

 

Section 17-16-68

Commission to take testimony.

The commission shall take testimony on the part of the contestant, and also on the part of the contestee, and shall have power to send for witnesses, books, and papers anywhere in the State of Alabama; shall have power to issue warrants, under the hand of the chair, to any judge, or clerk of any court of record or such other competent and discreet person as the commission may appoint, to take the deposition of witnesses at such time and place as the warrant shall direct, and the points as to which the testimony is to be taken shall be set forth in such warrant. The evidence taken in the case of a contest of the election of one officer may be used in the contest of the election of any other officer voted for at the same election and contested before the Legislature; provided, that notice that such evidence will be used, or offered, shall be given to the party or parties interested in such other office, so that all parties interested may be present and participate in the taking of such testimony, and provided the party instituting the contest does not object by filing a written objection with the commission.

 

Section 17-16-69

Notice to adverse party.

Whenever either party shall apply to the commission to examine witnesses, either before the commission or by warrant issued from the commission, the adverse party shall have five days’ notice of the application and of the time and place of taking such depositions.

 

Section 17-16-70

Commission has power to punish for contempt.

If any witness, being summoned, fails to attend, or being summoned with a subpoena duces tecum, fails and refuses to produce the paper or document required to be produced by the subpoena, the commission shall have the right and authority to punish the witness for contempt by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), or by imprisonment in any county jail in the state for a period not to exceed 30 days, one or both, and in case any witness shall fail to appear or produce any book or document before any judge, clerk of court, or other person having a warrant from the commission, the judge, clerk of court, or other person, must certify the fact to the commission, which may thereupon punish such witness for contempt, as provided in this section.

 

Section 17-16-71

Evidence confined to allegations; exceptions.

No evidence shall be taken on the part of the contestant unless to sustain some one of the specific allegations of the original or amended statement of grounds of contest. Nor shall any evidence be taken on the part of the contestee except in rebuttal of the specific allegations of the original or amended statement of the grounds of contest. But upon five days’ notice the contestee shall have the right to take evidence of any malconduct, fraud, or corruption on the part of any inspector, clerk, returning officer, canvassing board, or other person; of illegal votes cast for some person other than the contestee; of the rejection of legal votes cast for the contestee; of offers to bribe, bribery, intimidation, or other malconduct which prevented a fair, free, and full exercise of the elective franchise in any election precinct in the State of Alabama, the election in which is not put in issue by the original or amended statement of the grounds of contest; and when the contestee shall take evidence as herein provided, the contestant shall be permitted to take evidence in rebuttal.

 

Section 17-16-72

Each party entitled to be present.

Each party shall have the right to be present at the taking of any evidence, in person or by agent or attorney.

 

Section 17-16-73

Commission to report conclusions and evidence.

It shall be the duty of the commission to examine the evidence adduced upon the contest, and shall report its conclusions to the joint convention of the two houses, and all evidence taken under the provisions of this article shall be returned by the commission to the Speaker of the House at such time as the joint convention may direct.

 

Section 17-16-74

Compensation of witnesses.

The witnesses shall be allowed for their attendance one dollar ($1) a day and three cents ($.03) a mile coming and going by the route most usually traveled, from their place of residence to where such depositions are taken.

 

Section 17-16-75

Sheriffs to serve commission’s writs.

The sheriffs of Alabama in their respective counties are required to serve subpoenas and such other writs as the commission may have authority to issue, and shall be allowed the same compensation as is now allowed by law for similar services performed at the command of the courts.

 

Section 17-16-76

Execution for costs.

After the determination of the contest, the Clerk of the House of Representatives must tax the costs accrued and certify the amount of each separate item, the name of the person entitled thereto, and the result of such contest and the names of the sureties on the bond for contest, to the clerk of the circuit court of Montgomery County, and the clerk must thereupon issue execution against the unsuccessful party, which execution must be made returnable in 30 days after its issue; and alias and pluries executions may be issued as often as may be necessary. And if it be certified that the determination of the contest was against the contestant, the execution must issue against the sureties on the bond for the contest as well as against the contestant.

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Title 17 – Chapter 17

Chapter 17 – ELECTION OFFENSES

 

Section 17-17-1

Arrest of electors attending, going to, or returning from elections.

An elector must not be arrested during attendance at elections, or while going to or returning therefrom, except for treason, felony, or breach of the peace or for a violation on that day of any of the provisions of the election law. For such breach of the peace the sheriff or the sheriff’s deputy may arrest without process and commit to jail until the offender shall give bond with good and sufficient sureties, to be approved by the sheriff, for appearance at the next session of the circuit court to answer any indictment which may be found against the offender.

 

Section 17-17-2

Duty of sheriff to preserve order at elections.

Any sheriff or deputy who wilfully or corruptly fails to perform any duty imposed by Section 17-9-1 shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C felony, and, upon conviction, the office of such sheriff is thereby vacated.

 

Section 17-17-3

Neglect of duties by election official.

Any election official who wilfully and knowingly neglects, fails, or refuses to perform any of the duties prescribed in this title, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C misdemeanor. No person shall be deemed an election official until the person takes an oath to well and truly discharge the duties of such office, to the best of his or her ability, or until he or she shall have performed some of the duties pertaining to such office. The failure or refusal of any person to accept office or to discharge and perform the duties of such office at any time after appointment thereto and prior to taking the oath of such office shall not be deemed a violation of this section.

 

Section 17-17-4

Improper use of official authority or position for political activities.

Any person who attempts to use his or her official authority or position for the purpose of influencing the vote or political action of any person shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C felony.

 

Section 17-17-5

Improper use of state property, time, etc., for political activities

(a) No person in the employment of the State of Alabama, a county, a city, a local school board, or any other governmental agency, whether classified or unclassified, shall use any state, county, city, local school board, or other governmental agency funds, property, or time, for any political activities.

(b)

(1) No person in the employment of the State of Alabama, a county, a city, a local school board, or any other governmental agency may arrange by salary deduction or otherwise for any payments to a political action committee or arrange by salary deduction or otherwise for any payments for the dues of any person so employed to a membership organization which uses any portion of the dues for political activity. For purposes of this subsection only, political activity shall be limited to all of the following:

a. Making contributions to or contracting with any entity which engages in any form of political communication, including communications which mention the name of a political candidate.

b. Engaging in or paying for public opinion polling.

c. Engaging in or paying for any form of political communication, including communications which mention the name of a political candidate.

d. Engaging in or paying for any type of political advertising in any medium.

e. Phone calling for any political purpose.

f. Distributing political literature of any type.

g. Providing any type of in-kind help or support to or for a political candidate.

(2) Any organization that requests the State of Alabama, a county, a city, a local school board, or any other governmental agency to arrange by salary deduction or otherwise for the collection of membership dues from persons employed by the State of Alabama, a county, a city, a local school board, or any other governmental agency shall certify to the appropriate governmental entity that none of the membership dues will be used for political activity. Thereafter, at the conclusion of each calendar year, each organization that has arranged for the collection of its membership dues from persons employed by the State of Alabama, a county, a city, a local school board, or any other governmental agency shall provide the appropriate governmental entity a detailed breakdown of the expenditure of the membership dues of persons employed by the State of Alabama, a county, a city, a local school board, or any other governmental agency and collected by the governmental entity. Any organization that fails to provide the required certifications, that reports any expenditures for political activity, or that files false information about political activity in any of its reports shall be permanently barred from arranging for the collection of its membership dues by any governmental entity. The Examiners of Public Accounts shall annually review a sample of at least 10 percent of the certifications filed with each governmental entity and report its findings to the appropriate governmental entity.

(c) Any person who is in the employment of the State of Alabama, a county, a city, a local school board, the State Board of Education or any other governmental agency, shall be on approved leave to engage in political action or the person shall be on personal time before or after work and on holidays. It shall be unlawful for any officer or employee to solicit any type of political campaign contributions from other employees who work for the officer or employee in a subordinate capacity. It shall also be unlawful for any officer or employee to coerce or attempt to coerce any subordinate employee to work in any capacity in any political campaign or cause. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of the crime of trading in public office and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined or sentenced, or both, as provided by Section 13A-10-63.

 

Section 17-17-6

Penalty for failure to purge disqualified electors.

Any member of the board of registrars who neglects or willfully refuses to perform the duties imposed by Section 17-4-3 shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class B misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-7

Officers not to compare poll list with ballot.

Any inspector, clerk, watcher, or chair of an executive committee who compares the number on the poll list with the number of the ballot of any voter for the purpose of ascertaining how any voter voted, except in case of contest, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-8

Penalties for making false statements to board, etc.

Any person who willfully makes a false statement to the board of registrars, or any duly authorized person, in reidentifying himself or herself as a qualified elector in the manner provided in Chapter 4 shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class A misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-9

Penalties for violating the National Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act of 2002.

Any person who violates Article 3 of Chapter 4 shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-10

Notice of ineligibility for appointing board; serving on board when ineligible.

Any judge of probate who shall fail to certify to the clerk of the circuit court the fact of the candidacy of the judge of probate, the clerk of the circuit court, or the sheriff, thus rendering them ineligible to serve as members of the appointing board of election managers, in the manner and time he or she is required to so certify such fact under the election laws of this state, shall be guilty , upon conviction, of a violation.

Any judge of probate, sheriff, or circuit clerk who shall act as a member of the appointing board of election managers while a candidate for public office, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a violation.

 

Section 17-17-11

Failure of inspector or clerk to attend election.

Any inspector or clerk appointed by the county appointing board who fails to attend an election without a lawful excuse shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a violation.

 

Section 17-17-12

Consumption of intoxicating liquors during election.

Any election official or watcher who drinks any intoxicating liquor while any election is being held, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a violation.

 

Section 17-17-13

Suppressing nomination.

Any person who suppresses any nomination which has been duly filed pursuant to Section 17-9-3, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C felony.

 

Section 17-17-14

Voting without registration and oath.

Any person voting at any county or state election who has not registered and taken and subscribed to the registration oath shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class B misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-15

Signing name of other person on poll list.

Any person who willfully and intentionally signs on the poll list the name of any person other than himself or herself, including any signing by mark, in violation of Section 17-9-11, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C felony.

 

Section 17-17-16

Unlawful use of poll lists.

Any election officer or any other person who makes a copy of the signed voter poll list or any memoranda therefrom or list of the persons voting, or discloses the number of such voter’s ballot, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-17

Loitering about polling place; standing in line of voters after having voted.

Any person who loiters in, around, or about a polling place on election day for the purpose of discouraging qualified electors from entering the voting place, or from voting, or whoever having voted enters or stands in a line or file of voters waiting to vote, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-18

Disclosing votes by inspectors, clerks, etc.

Any inspector, clerk, or other person who discloses how any elector voted shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class A misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-19

Deceiving elector in preparation of ballot.

Any inspector, helper, or assistant who willfully deceives any elector in preparing his or her ballot shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C felony.

 

Section 17-17-20

Inspector refusing to advise elector regarding assistants, or to allow selection thereof.

Any inspector who willfully fails or refuses to advise any elector, entitled thereto, that he or she is entitled to an assistant, or refuses to let the elector select an assistant as required by law, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class A misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-21

Disclosing or removing ballot; interfering with or influencing elector; remaining in booth, etc.

Any elector who takes or removes, or attempts to take or remove, any ballot from the polling place before the close of the polls; or any person who interferes with any elector when inside the polling place or when marking the ballot, or unduly influences, or attempts to unduly influence, any elector in the preparation of his or her ballot; or any elector who remains longer than the time allowed by law in the booth or compartment after being notified his or her time has expired, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a violation.

 

Section 17-17-22

Official refusing watcher to exercise rights.

An official who refuses to allow any poll watcher to exercise his or her rights as a watcher, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-23

Tampering with, injuring, etc., machines; misuse; unauthorized possession of keys.

Any election officer or other person, who shall tamper with, injure, or attempt to injure any electronic voting machine to be used or being used in an election, or who shall willfully misuse any such machine, or who shall prevent or attempt to prevent the correct operation of such machine, or any unauthorized person who shall make or have in his or her possession a key to a voting machine to be used or being used in an election, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class A misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-24

Changing ballots, unlawful use of absentee ballots, etc.; investigative assistance; encouraging voter participation.

(a) Any person who willfully changes an absentee voter’s ballot to the extent that it does not reflect the voter’s true ballot, any person who willfully votes more than once by absentee ballot in the same election, any person who willfully votes for another voter or falsifies absentee ballot applications or verification documents so as to vote absentee, or any person who solicits, encourages, urges, or otherwise promotes illegal absentee voting, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C felony. Any person who willfully aids any person unlawfully to vote an absentee ballot, any person who knowingly and unlawfully votes an absentee ballot, and any voter who votes both an absentee and a regular ballot at any election shall be similarly punished.

(b) Upon request by the local district attorney or the Secretary of State, the Attorney General shall provide investigating assistance in instances of absentee ballot or voting violations.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to impede or inhibit organized legal efforts to encourage voter participation in the election process or to discourage a candidate from encouraging electors to lawfully vote by absentee ballot.

 

Section 17-17-25

Failure to perform duties as to absentee voting.

Any person who shall willfully fail or refuse to perform or discharge any duty required by Chapter 11 shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a violation.

 

Section 17-17-26

Preparation of absentee ballot of person in comatose or other noncommunicative state.

Any person who knowingly and willfully prepares or assists in preparing the absentee ballot of a person who is comatose or who otherwise cannot communicate his or her voting preferences for an absentee ballot shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C felony.

 

Section 17-17-27

Failure to count legal vote.

Except as to provisional absentee ballots that have not been verified by seven days after the election, any election official who fails to count a legal vote cast by absentee ballot shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C felony.

 

Section 17-17-28

Failure to require proper identification; voting at multiple or unauthorized locations; liability of officials.

Any polling official who knowingly fails to require proper identification to verify the name of the prospective voter on the list of qualified voters at the polling place in violation of this section, or who knowingly allows a person to vote who he or she knows is not the person he or she claims to be shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class A misdemeanor for each violation.

Any person who knowingly presents false identification in order to vote at a polling place where he or she otherwise would not be qualified to vote, or who knowingly votes at a polling place where he or she has not been authorized to vote, or who knowingly votes at more than one polling place in the same election on the same day shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C felony.

Any election or polling official acting in the good faith exercise of his or her duties pursuant to this section, and any county officer, agent, or employee of a county acting in the good faith exercise of his or her duties shall not be civilly or criminally liable as a result of acts or omissions in carrying out the duties required by this section. The immunity from liability granted under this section shall be cumulative and is in addition to the line and scope of employment immunity, discretionary function immunity, and any other immunity from liability to which an individual may be entitled.

 

Section 17-17-29

Violation of requirements for disposition of election records.

Any person violating any provision of Section 17-12-12 shall be deemed guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-30

Failure to provide notice in contested election.

Any sheriff or constable who fails to give the notices necessary to be served in cases of contested elections, within the time and in the mode prescribed, if practicable for him or her to do so, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a violation.

 

Section 17-17-31

Failure to provide notice under Section 17-15-5.

Any judge of probate who fails to give notice of a special election ordered by the Governor, as required by Section 17-15-5, is guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-32

Failure to provide notice under Section 17-15-6.

Any judge of probate who fails to notify the sheriff and clerk of the circuit court that any special election is ordered by the Governor, as required by Section 17-15-6, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a violation.

 

Section 17-17-33

Obstruction, intimidation, etc., of voting rights of others.

It shall be unlawful for any person to obstruct, intimidate, threaten, or coerce any other person for the purpose of interfering with the right of such other person to vote or to vote as he or she may choose, or for the purpose of causing such other person to vote for, or not to vote for, any candidate for state or local office or any other proposition at any election. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class A misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-34

Paying, etc., or accepting payment for vote.

It shall be unlawful for any person to pay or offer to pay, or for any person to accept such payment, either to vote or withhold his or her vote, or to vote for or against any candidate. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-36

Illegal voting or attempting to vote.

Any person who votes more than once at any election held in this state, or deposits more than one ballot for the same office as his or her vote at such election, or knowingly attempts to vote when not entitled to do so, or is guilty of any kind of illegal or fraudulent voting, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C felony.

 

Section 17-17-37

Illegal voting at municipal elections.

Any person who falsely impersonates another and thereby or otherwise fraudulently casts a vote to which he or she is not entitled, or having voted at a municipal election votes a second time at the same election, whether in the same precinct or another, or having once obtained registration in any precinct, shall register a second time, or attempt to obtain a second registration, whether in the same or another name, or whether in the same or another ward, or shall aid or assist another not so entitled, knowing him or her not to be so entitled, to vote or to obtain registration as a voter, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C felony.

 

Section 17-17-38

Bribing or attempting to influence voter.

Any person who, by bribery or offering to bribe, or by any other corrupt means, attempts to influence any elector in giving his or her vote, deter the elector from giving the same, or disturb or hinder the elector in the free exercise of the right of suffrage, at any election, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-39

Buying votes.

Any person who buys or offers to buy any vote of any qualified elector at any election by the payment of money or the promise to pay the same at any future time, or by the gift of intoxicating liquors or other thing of value, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-40

Selling votes.

Any qualified elector at any election who takes or receives any money or other valuable thing, upon the condition that the same shall be paid at any future time, in exchange for the vote of such elector for any particular candidate, or the promise to vote for any particular candidate, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C misdemeanor. No witness shall be prosecuted for any offense under this section as to which he or she testified before the grand jury.

 

Section 17-17-41

Candidate barred by bribery.

Any candidate for office in any election, upon conviction of bribing or attempting to influence a voter under Section 17-17-38, shall, in addition to the fine, be declared ineligible for the office to which elected for that term.

 

Section 17-17-42

Altering or changing vote of elector.

Any person who fraudulently alters or changes the vote of any elector, by which such elector is prevented from voting as intended, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class B misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-43

Disturbing elector on election day.

Any person who, on election day, disturbs or prevents, or attempts to prevent, any elector from freely casting a ballot shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class A misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-44

Intimidation of employee by employer.

Any employer who attempts by coercion, intimidation, threats to discharge, or to lessen the remuneration of an employee, to influence his or her vote in any election, or who requires or demands an examination or inspection by the employer or another of an employee’s ballot, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class B misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-45

Coercion of employee by officer, agent, etc., of corporation.

Any officer or agent of a corporation, or other person with authority to discharge employees, who shall attempt by coercion, intimidation, threats to discharge, or to lessen the remuneration of any employee, to influence his or her vote in any election, or who requires or demands an examination or inspection by himself or herself or another of any employee’s ballot, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class B misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-46

Providing false information to register to vote.

Any person who knowingly provides false information in order to vote or register to vote in violation of Act 2003-313 shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class A misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-47

Assessment of unauthorized fees against candidate.

Any person who, as a condition for standing for nomination to any office in a primary election, shall assess or cause to be assessed a fee by any committee or other governing body of any political party in this state in excess of that allowed by law shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a violation.

 

Section 17-17-48

Unauthorized assistance to voter in preparation of ballot.

Any person who assists a voter in preparing his or her ballot to be voted at a primary election, except as authorized under Chapter 13, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-49

Failure of returning office to return ballots and election supplies.

Any precinct returning officer failing to perform the duties of returning ballots and election supplies to the returning officer of the county shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-50

Holding, participating in, etc., illegal meetings for purpose of nominating candidates or selecting delegates to convention.

Any person or persons who shall hold, attend, or participate in the holding of any meeting for the purpose of nominating a candidate or candidates for public office, to be voted for at any general election in Alabama, or for the purpose of electing delegates or other representatives to any convention which may select such candidates for public office, at any time or place other than as provided for in Chapter 13, or who shall otherwise violate the laws of this state regulating mass meetings or beat meetings, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C misdemeanor.

This section shall not apply where a special election is called for the election of a public officer for which the party has no candidate or where, by death, resignation, or otherwise, a vacancy has occurred in any nomination made by such party. This shall not apply to municipal elections.

 

Section 17-17-51

Intoxication at polling place.

Any person found drunk or intoxicated about any polling place during any primary election shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a violation.

 

Section 17-17-52

False or fraudulent returns.

Any person who makes a false or fraudulent return of the result of any primary election, or who falsely or fraudulently changes the votes, ballots, figures, or results of any election shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class A misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-53

Opening poll list.

Any person who opens any envelope containing the poll list of any voting place, except in case of a contest, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class C misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-54

Failure to place candidate’s name, etc., on ballot.

Any officer of the state or of any county or municipality whose duty it is by law to prepare and have printed ballots for any election authorized by law to be held, who shall intentionally fail to have printed on the ballots, as required by law or the rules and regulations of the political party holding the election, the names of all persons entitled to be printed thereon and all issues entitled to be printed thereon and entitled to be submitted to a vote, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class A misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-55

Unauthorized marking of ballot, electioneering, or divulging how elector voted.

Any person at a primary election who shall mark the ballot of a voter contrary to the voter’s direction or request, or who shall electioneer or attempt to electioneer with a voter or attempt to influence his or her vote by suggestion or otherwise, or who shall afterwards divulge how such elector voted in any race on the ballot, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class A misdemeanor.

 

Section 17-17-56

Penalty for violation of Chapter 13.

Any person who violates any provision of Chapter 13 for which a penalty is not otherwise provided shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a Class B misdemeanor.

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Title 21 – Chapter 4

Title 21 – HANDICAPPED PERSONS

 

Chapter 4 – ACCESSIBILITY TO AND USE OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES BY PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS

 

Article 2 Accessibility of Registration and Polling Places

 

Section 21-4-20

Legislative intent.

It is the intention of the Legislature in enacting this article to promote the fundamental right to vote by requiring registration and polling places for state elections to be readily accessible to handicapped and elderly individuals.

 

Section 21-4-21

Definitions.

As used in this article, unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning, the following terms shall have meanings ascribed to them as follows:

(1) ELDERLY INDIVIDUAL. An individual 65 years of age or older;

(2) ELECTION FOR STATE OFFICE. A general, special primary, or runoff election for an executive, legislative, or judicial state office that is contested on a statewide basis;

(3) HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUAL. An individual qualified to vote, who, by reason of illness, injury, age, congenital malfunction, or other permanent or temporary incapacity or disability, is unable without accessible facilities or registration and voting aids to have access to registration and voting equal to that available to persons who are not so affected;

(4) STATE. State of Alabama;

(5) VOTING PRECINCT. The area inhabited by all individuals assigned to one polling place for a state election.

 

Section 21-4-22

Promulgation of guidelines.

(a) The Attorney General of this state, in consultation with the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, and in accordance with Section 553 of Title 5, United States Code, shall promulgate, within six months of April 8, 1985, guidelines to assure that registration and polling place facilities used for state elections are readily accessible to and usable by handicapped and elderly individuals. Such guidelines at a minimum shall require:

(1) That all polling places shall be located

a. In any building or other facility which is or can be made accessible, by temporary ramp or otherwise, to individuals in wheelchairs on election days for all hours during which said polling places are used for the purpose of a state election; and

b. On the ground level of the building or other facility or at a location within such building or facility as is accessible by elevator; and

(2) That all places of registration shall be located

a. In any building or other facility which is or can be made accessible by temporary ramp or otherwise to individuals in wheelchairs for all hours during which said places of registration are used for the purpose of a state election; and

b. On the ground level of the building or other facility or at a location within such building or facility as is accessible by elevator.

(b) The requirements of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to registration places located in private residences or to temporary places of registration designated or used by deputy or assistant registrars on a one-time or occasional basis; provided, however, that comparable registration procedures and/or registration places which comply with the guidelines are available to handicapped and elderly individuals.

(c) No provision of this article shall be deemed to constitute legal justification for decreasing, or failing to increase, the number of places provided for voter registration or the number of polling places.

 

Section 21-4-23

Registration and voting aids.

(a) The appropriate election officials in the several counties of this state shall make available registration and voting aids for handicapped and elderly individuals in state elections. These aids shall include, but are not limited to:

(1) Instructions, printed in large type, conspicuously displayed at each voter registration site and polling place, sufficient to provide hearing impaired and seriously visually impaired individuals with adequate information as to how and where they may register and vote.

(2) Paper ballots, available at each polling place, for the use of voters who would otherwise be prevented from voting because of their inability to operate a voting machine.

(3) Absentee ballots, available to any handicapped or elderly individual who, because of handicap or age, is unable to go to the polling facility in a state election. The deadlines for requesting and submitting an absentee ballot under this subsection shall not be earlier than the latest deadlines prescribed by law for other persons voting by absentee ballot.

(4) The opportunity for any handicapped or elderly individual who, because of handicap or age, requires assistance in casting a vote, to select a person of his or her choice to accompany such individual into the polling place to assist in the casting of the vote.

(b) The appropriate election officials of each county shall issue public notice in each voting precinct of the requirement for and the availability of these registration and voting aids, which notice shall be notification for all handicapped and elderly individuals. This notice shall be issued as early as practicable, but in any case not later than 60 days before any state election or the registration deadline for such election.

 

Section 21-4-24

Actions for injunctive relief to enforce article.

(a) Whenever the Attorney General of this state has reason to believe that

(1) A registration or polling place does not comply with the standards prescribed under subsection (a) of Section 21-4-23; or

(2) A county has failed to provide registration and voting aids as required by Section 21-4-23, the Attorney General may institute, in the name of the state, an action in the Circuit Court of Montgomery County against the county, for injunctive relief, as may be necessary to implement this article.

(b) Whenever an individual has reason to believe that

(1) A registration or polling place does not comply with the standards prescribed under subsection (a) of Section 21-4-23; or

(2) A county has failed to provide registration and voting aids as required by Section 21-4-23, and that individual is personally aggrieved or is acting on behalf of an individual personally aggrieved by failure of the county to comply with this article, that individual may institute an action in the local circuit court against the county, for injunctive relief, as may be necessary to implement this article.

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Title 28 – Chapter 2

Title 28 – INTOXICATING LIQUOR, MALT BEVERAGES, AND WINE

 

Chapter 2 – ELECTIONS AS TO SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WITHIN COUNTIES

 

Article 1 General Provisions

 

Section 28-2-1

Procedure for elections to determine classification of counties as wet or dry counties; laws applicable in dry counties.

(a) In every county where a majority of the electors voting in an election, called by the Governor to determine whether Chapter 3 of this title shall be adopted in the county, vote “Yes,” Chapter 3 and all of its provisions shall be immediately put into operation in such county, but in every county where a majority of the electors voting in the election vote “No,” Chapter 3 shall not go into effect in such county and all laws prohibiting the manufacture and sale of alcoholic liquors or beverages now in force and effect in Alabama shall remain in full force and effect in every such county. For the purpose of this chapter the term “wet county” shall mean any county which by a majority of those voting voted in the affirmative in the election provided for in this section, and “dry counties” shall be construed to mean all counties which by a majority of those voting voted in the negative in the election provided for in this section. Any county in the state may change its classification from wet to dry or from dry to wet under this section in the following manner: Upon the petition of 25 percent of the number of voters voting in the last preceding general election being filed with the probate judge of the county, the probate judge must call an election for the county to determine the sentiment of the people as to whether or not alcoholic beverages can be legally sold or distributed in the county. The election shall be held and the officers appointed to hold same in the manner provided by law for holding other county elections and the returns thereof tabulated and results certified as provided by law for such elections. The election shall be held within not less than 82 days, nor more than 97 days, from the date of filing of the petition and notice thereof shall be given by the probate judge by publication at least three weeks before the date of the election, in a newspaper in the county or, if there be none, by posting such notice at the courthouse apprising the voters of the county that an election will be held in the several precincts thereof to determine whether such county shall be wet or dry under the laws regulating alcoholic beverages. The cost of the election, including the cost of notice by publication, shall be paid out of the general funds of the county. On the ballot to be used for such election the question shall be in the following form: “Do you favor the legal sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages within this county? Yes ____ No ____.” Only qualified voters shall vote in the election. If a majority of the voters voting in the election vote “Yes,” the county shall be wet or remain wet under the terms of this section until the county shall in a subsequent election held under this section change to a dry county. If a majority of the electors voting in the election vote “No,” the county shall be a dry county under the terms of Chapter 4 until it shall by a subsequent election, held under this section, vote wet. The elections in the counties may be held at any time; provided, that a period of not less than two years must elapse between the dates of such elections.

(b) In all dry counties, as defined in subsection (a), the statutes of Alabama prohibiting the manufacture, sale, or distribution of alcoholic beverages shall remain in full force and effect, and any person, firm, or corporation convicted of violating any of the provisions of law regulating or defining the illegal manufacture, sale, or distribution of alcoholic beverages shall be punished as provided by such laws.

 

Article 2 Special Method Referendum

 

Section 28-2-20

Short title.

This article shall be known and cited as the Special Method Referendum Act of 1971.

 

Section 28-2-21

Petitioners for election under Section 28-2-1 may request election on adoption of this article; question to be asked voters.

Whenever petitioners for an election under Section 28-2-1 shall so desire, the petition shall contain the following: “It is requested that the election herein requested be on the adoption of the Special Method Referendum Act of 1971.”

In an election called for the above-stated act, the voters of the county shall be asked the question: “Do you favor the legal sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages within this county under the Special Method Referendum Act of 1971? Yes _____, No _____.”

 

Section 28-2-22

Conditions governing sale of alcoholic beverages in county and municipalities therein where majority of voters approve sale and distribution under article; penalty for violation of section.

(a) If the majority of the voters in any county approve the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages under this article as provided in Section 28-2-21, the sale of alcoholic beverages in such county shall be governed by the following conditions:

(1) Within 90 days after the affirmative vote of the voters of a county, each governing body of any incorporated municipality within such county may vote to exclude the sale of alcoholic beverages within its limits as provided for in this article. If the governing body does not take such action 90 days after the affirmative election, the provisions of this article shall apply for a period of 10 years, after which the municipality shall again have 90 days to exclude said municipality. Should a municipality choose to exclude the application of this article from its limits, it may, by its own action, include the municipality under the provisions of this article at any subsequent time for a period of 10 years and, after said 10-year period, shall have 90 days to continue or discontinue its applicability. A municipality may, within the 90-day period, submit the decision on the applicability of this article to its voters by a special election, said election being binding on the governing body.

(2) The governing body of any county which has adopted the special method as provided in Section 28-2-21 may from time to time vote to exclude the sale of alcoholic beverages within all or any part of its unincorporated areas, but if a municipality annexes any unincorporated area, that area shall be subject to the rules of the municipality with regard to the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages.

(3) Only nonrefrigerated malt beverages may be sold in any area in the county.

(4) Spirituous or vinous liquors may only be sold at stores operated by the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

(5) Possession of alcoholic beverages in any area in a county where their sale has not been legalized is prohibited.

(6) The consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises where sold or in any public place is prohibited.

(b) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.

 

Section 28-2-23

Levy and collection of tax upon sale of malt beverages by counties or municipalities permitting sale under article; disposition of proceeds from tax.

Any county or municipality which allows the sale of malt beverages under the provisions of this article shall be authorized to levy and collect a tax upon the sale of such beverages in an amount not to exceed $.05 on each 12 fluid ounces or fraction thereof; provided, that the county shall not have authority to impose such tax within any incorporated municipality within such county.

A minimum of 60 percent of the proceeds of such tax shall be used solely for the purpose of public education, with the remainder to be allocated by the county commission or municipal governing body levying and collecting the tax for any other public use. The county commission shall distribute the proceeds of this tax for public education to school systems within the county on the same basis as the total calculated costs of the Foundation Program for the local boards of education within the county.

 

Section 28-2-24

Counties not authorized to conduct referenda under provisions of Section 28-2-21.

No county which, as of September 22, 1971, authorized the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages shall be authorized to conduct a referendum under the provisions of Section 28-2-21.

 

Section 28-2-25

Applicability of other provisions of title, etc., in county adopting article.

All other provisions of this title and other laws and regulations of the state associated with the sale, taxing and regulation of alcoholic beverages shall apply to a county adopting this article except when in conflict with the special provisions of this article.

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Title 28 – Chapter 2A

Chapter 2A – ELECTIONS AS TO SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WITHIN MUNICIPALITIES

 

Section 28-2A-1

Procedure for wet or dry classification option elections.

(a) Any municipality having a population of 1,000 or more, may change its classification from dry to wet or wet to dry by a municipal option election, in the following manner.

(b) Upon petition of 30 percent of the number of voters voting in the last preceding general election of the municipality being filed with the city or town clerk or governing body of the municipality, the governing body must call a municipal option election for the municipality to determine the sentiment of the people as to whether or not alcoholic beverages can be legally sold or distributed in the municipality. The petition for municipal option election shall contain the following: “It is petitioned that a municipal option election be held to permit the legal sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages within this municipality.” On the ballot to be used for such municipal option election, the question shall be in the following form: “Do you favor the legal sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages within this municipality? Yes _____ No _____.” Each subsequent municipal option election must follow the petition process as provided in this subsection with a new petition.

(c) The municipal option election shall be held and the officers appointed to hold same in the manner provided by law for holding other municipal elections and the returns thereof tabulated and the results certified as provided by law for such municipal elections. The municipal option election shall be held at the time of the primary, general, county-wide, or municipal election next succeeding the date of the filing of the petition, provided, however, the election shall not be held within less than 30 days from the date of the filing of the petition. Notice of the municipal option election shall be given by the governing body of the municipality by publication at least three weeks before the date of election, in a newspaper in the municipality, or, if there be none, in a newspaper in the county, or, if there be neither, by posting such notice at the town or city hall, apprising the voters of the municipality that a municipal option election shall be held to determine whether such municipality shall be wet or dry under this article. The cost of the municipal option election, including the cost of notice by publication, shall be paid out of the general fund of the municipality.

(d) Only qualified voters shall vote in the municipal option election. If a majority of the voters in the municipal option election vote “yes,” the municipality shall be wet, and alcoholic beverages can be legally sold, distributed and consumed within the corporate limits of the municipality, and all of the provisions of this title, relating to alcoholic beverages in wet counties, including Chapters 3, 3A, 6, and 7, shall be immediately put into operation with respect to and effective within the corporate limits of the municipality. The municipality shall remain wet until the municipality shall be in subsequent municipal option election held under this article changed to a dry municipality, notwithstanding the results of any subsequent county election or special method referendum. All other laws to the contrary notwithstanding, the electors residing within the corporate limits of any such municipality that has become wet pursuant to a municipal option election held under this article shall not be entitled to vote in any subsequent county election or special method referendum held to determine if the county in which such municipality is located shall become wet. The question of whether such county shall become wet shall be decided by the electors of such county residing outside the corporate limits of such wet municipality as otherwise provided by law.

(e) If a majority of the voters voting in the municipal option election vote “no,” the municipality shall be a dry municipality under the terms of this article until the county shall by subsequent election or special referendum, vote wet, or the municipality shall by a subsequent municipal option election held under this article, vote wet.

(f) The municipal option election in the municipality may be held at the time of any primary, general, county-wide, or municipal election as determined by the county commission or the municipal governing body, as applicable, provided a period of not less than 720 days must elapse between the dates of such municipal option elections; provided further, that a county wet-dry election or special method referendum may be held at any time without regard to the lapse of time between the dates of any county option elections.

 

Section 28-2A-1.1

Ratification and confirmation of municipal option elections and related taxes and licenses.

(a) Each municipality with a population of 1,000 or more which held an election pursuant to Section 28-2A-1, as amended by Act 2009-546, of the 2009 Regular Session (Acts 2009, p. 1446), in which the majority of the voters voting in the municipal option election voted to allow the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages within the municipality are hereby declared wet and may continue the sale, distribution, and consumption of such beverages.

(b) Municipalities to which this section applies shall remain wet unless and until the municipality, in any subsequent municipal option election held pursuant to this chapter, elects to change to a dry municipality, notwithstanding the result of any subsequent county election or special method referendum.

(c) Any taxes or licenses levied and collected pursuant to a municipal option election conducted in accordance with Section 28-2A-1, as amended by Act 2009-546, and any administrative or regulatory actions taken, are hereby ratified and confirmed.

(d) Each municipality with a population of 1,000 or more which held an election pursuant to Section 28-2A-1, as amended by Act 2009-546 of the 2009 Regular Session (Acts 2009, p. 1446), in which the majority of the voters voting in the municipal option election voted to not allow the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages within the municipality are hereby declared dry and shall continue to be dry unless and until the municipality, in any subsequent municipal option election held pursuant to this chapter, elects to change to a wet municipality, provided no such subsequent election shall be held sooner than 720 days following the previous election.

 

Section 28-2A-2

Distribution of funds pursuant to Chapters 3 and 28 of Title 40.

The distribution of funds pursuant to Chapter 28, Title 40, and Chapter 3, Title 40, both as amended, shall not be affected by this article. County school systems may receive revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages upon approval by the city council of said municipality or by the sale of alcoholic beverages authorized by a municipal option election pursuant to this article.

 

Section 28-2A-3

Legislative intent.

It is hereby declared the intention and the purpose of this article to permit an election by the citizens of certain municipalities to determine the wet or dry status of such municipalities with regard to the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages within the corporate limits of such municipalities; and further that such election shall be provided only in those municipalities which can provide safeguards for the protection of the public welfare, health, peace, and morals of the people. In the furtherance of the protection of the public welfare, health, peace, and morals, the Legislature has determined that a population classification should be established to provide this method of municipal option election only in those municipalities with a population of 1,000 or more people within a county, it being the judgment of the Legislature that municipalities with a lesser population would be unable to support and maintain such protection where such municipality is located in a dry county, whereas a municipality of 1,000 or more population would have the resources and ability to support and maintain such safeguards.

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Title 31 – Chapter 13

Title 31 – MILITARY AFFAIRS AND CIVIL DEFENSE

 

Chapter 13 – ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

 

Section 31-13-28

Voter registration eligibility and requirements.

(a) Applications for voter registration shall contain voter eligibility requirements and such information as is necessary to prevent duplicative voter registrations and enable the county board of registrars to assess the eligibility of the applicant and to administer voter registration, identify the applicant and to determine the qualifications of the applicant as an elector and the facts authorizing such person to be registered. Applications shall contain a statement that the applicant shall be required to provide qualifying identification when voting.

(b) The Secretary of State shall create a process for the county board of registrars to check to indicate whether an applicant has provided with the application the information necessary to assess the eligibility of the applicant, including the applicant’s United States citizenship. This section shall be interpreted and applied in accordance with federal law. No eligible applicant whose qualifications have been assessed shall be denied registration.

(c) The county board of registrars shall accept any completed application for registration, but an applicant shall not be registered until the applicant has provided satisfactory evidence of United States citizenship. Satisfactory evidence of United States citizenship shall be provided in person at the time of filing the application for registration or by including, with a mailed registration application, a photocopy of one of the documents listed as evidence of United States citizenship in subsection (k). After a person has submitted satisfactory evidence of citizenship, the county board of registrars shall indicate this information in the person’s permanent voter file.

(d) Any person who is registered in this state on September 1, 2011, is deemed to have provided satisfactory evidence of United States citizenship and shall not be required to submit evidence of citizenship.

(e) For purposes of this section, proof of voter registration from another state is not satisfactory evidence of United States citizenship.

(f) A registered voter who moves from one residence to another within the state or who modifies his or her voter registration records for any other reason shall not be required to submit evidence of United States citizenship.

(g) If evidence of United States citizenship is deemed to be unsatisfactory due to an inconsistency between the document submitted as evidence and the name or sex provided on the application for registration, such applicant may sign an affidavit containing both of the following:

(1) Stating the inconsistency or inconsistencies related to the name or sex, and the reason therefor.

(2) Swearing under oath that, despite the inconsistency, the applicant is the individual reflected in the document provided as evidence of citizenship.

(h) There shall be no inconsistency between the date of birth on the document provided as evidence of citizenship and the date of birth provided on the application for registration. If such an affidavit is submitted by the applicant, the county board of registrars shall assess the eligibility of the applicant without regard to any inconsistency stated in the affidavit.

(i) All documents submitted as evidence of United States citizenship shall be kept confidential by the county board of registrars and maintained as provided by record retention laws.

(j) Nothing in this section shall prohibit an applicant from providing, or the county board of registrars from obtaining, satisfactory evidence of United States citizenship, as described in this section, at a different time or in a different manner than an application for registration is provided, as long as the applicant’s eligibility can be adequately assessed by the county board of registrars as required by this section.

(k) Evidence of United States citizenship shall be demonstrated by one of the following documents, or a legible photocopy or a copy in a digital or other electronic format of one of the following documents:

(1) The applicant’s driver’s license or nondriver’s identification card issued by the division of motor vehicles or the equivalent governmental agency of another state within the United States provided that the governmental agency of another state within the United States requires proof of lawful presence in the United States as a condition of issuance of the driver’s license or nondriver’s identification card.

(2) The applicant’s birth certificate indicating birth in the United States or one of its territories

(3) Pertinent pages of the applicant’s United States valid or expired passport identifying the applicant and the applicant’s passport number, or presentation to the county board of registrars of the applicant’s United States passport.

(4) The applicant’s United States naturalization documents or the number of the certificate of naturalization. If only the number of the certificate of naturalization is provided, the applicant shall not be included in the registration rolls until the number of the certificate of naturalization is verified with the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services by the county election officer or the Secretary of State, pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1373(c).

(5) Other documents or methods of proof of United States citizenship issued by the federal government pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, and amendments thereto.

(6) The applicant’s Bureau of Indian Affairs card number, tribal treaty card number, or tribal enrollment number.

(7) The applicant’s consular report of birth abroad of a citizen of the United States of America.

(8) The applicant’s certificate of citizenship issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

(9) The applicant’s certification of report of birth issued by the United States Department of State.

(10) The applicant’s American Indian card, with KIC classification, issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security.

(11) The applicant’s final adoption decree showing the applicant’s name and United States birthplace.

(12) The applicant’s official United States military record of service showing the applicant’s place of birth in the United States.

(13) An extract from a United States hospital record of birth created at the time of the applicant’s birth indicating the applicant’s place of birth in the United States.

(l) If an applicant is a United States citizen but does not have any of the documentation listed in this section as satisfactory evidence of United States citizenship, the applicant may submit any evidence that the applicant believes demonstrates the applicant’s United States citizenship. Any applicant seeking an assessment of evidence under this section may directly contact the county board of registrars by submitting a voter registration application or the national voter registration form and any supporting evidence of United States citizenship. The county board of registrars shall give the applicant an opportunity for a hearing, upon the applicant’s request in writing, and an opportunity to present any additional evidence to the county board of registrars. Notice of such hearing shall be given to the applicant at least five days prior to the hearing date. An applicant shall have the opportunity to be represented by counsel at such hearing. The county board of registrars shall assess the evidence provided by the applicant to determine whether the applicant has provided satisfactory evidence of United States citizenship. If the county board of registrars finds that the evidence presented by an applicant does not constitute satisfactory evidence of United States citizenship, the applicant shall have the right to appeal such determination by a county board of registrars by instituting an action under 8 U.S.C. § 1503. Any negative assessment of an applicant’s eligibility by a county board of registrars shall be reversed if the applicant obtains a declaratory judgment pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1503, demonstrating that the applicant is a national of the United States.

(m)

(1) The Department of Public Health shall not charge or accept any fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate if the certificate is requested by any person who is 17 years of age or older for purposes of meeting the voter registration requirements of this chapter. The person requesting a certified copy of a birth certificate shall swear under oath to both of the following:

a. That the person plans to register to vote in this state.

b. That the person does not possess any of the documents that constitute evidence of United States citizenship as defined in this chapter.

(2) The affidavit shall specifically list the documents that constitute evidence of United States citizenship as defined in this chapter.

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Title 36 – Chapter 14

Title 36 – PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES

 

Chapter 14 – SECRETARY OF STATE

 

Section 36-14-18

Performance of duties under Alabama Fair Campaign Practices Act.

The Secretary of State shall perform all duties required by the Alabama Fair Campaign Practices Act, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) Maintain a system for the electronic filing of campaign finance reports.

(2) Levy and collect civil penalties for failure to file timely reports.

(3) Work cooperatively with the State Ethics Commission to fully implement and enforce all campaign finance laws.

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Title 36 – Chapter 25

Chapter 25 – CODE OF ETHICS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS, EMPLOYEES, ETC

 

Section 36-25-1

Definitions.

Whenever used in this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) BUSINESS. Any corporation, partnership, proprietorship, firm, enterprise, franchise, association, organization, self-employed individual, or any other legal entity.

(2) BUSINESS WITH WHICH THE PERSON IS ASSOCIATED. Any business of which the person or a member of his or her family is an officer, owner, partner, board of director member, employee, or holder of more than five percent of the fair market value of the business.

(3) CANDIDATE. This term as used in this chapter shall have the same meaning ascribed to it in Section 17-22A-2.

(4) COMMISSION. The State Ethics Commission.

(5) COMPLAINT. Written allegation or allegations that a violation of this chapter has occurred.

(6) COMPLAINANT. A person who alleges a violation or violations of this chapter by filing a complaint against a respondent.

(7) CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. A complaint filed pursuant to this chapter, together with any statement, conversations, knowledge of evidence, or information received from the complainant, witness, or other person related to such complaint.

(8) CONFLICT OF INTEREST. A conflict on the part of a public official or public employee between his or her private interests and the official responsibilities inherent in an office of public trust. A conflict of interest involves any action, inaction, or decision by a public official or public employee in the discharge of his or her official duties which would materially affect his or her financial interest or those of his or her family members or any business with which the person is associated in a manner different from the manner it affects the other members of the class to which he or she belongs. A conflict of interest shall not include any of the following:

a. A loan or financial transaction made or conducted in the ordinary course of business.

b. An occasional nonpecuniary award publicly presented by an organization for performance of public service.

c. Payment of or reimbursement for actual and necessary expenditures for travel and subsistence for the personal attendance of a public official or public employee at a convention or other meeting at which he or she is scheduled to meaningfully participate in connection with his or her official duties and for which attendance no reimbursement is made by the state.

d. Any campaign contribution, including the purchase of tickets to, or advertisements in journals, for political or testimonial dinners, if the contribution is actually used for political purposes and is not given under circumstances from which it could reasonably be inferred that the purpose of the contribution is to substantially influence a public official in the performance of his or her official duties.

(9) DAY. Calendar day.

(10) DEPENDENT. Any person, regardless of his or her legal residence or domicile, who receives 50 percent or more of his or her support from the public official or public employee or his or her spouse or who resided with the public official or public employee for more than 180 days during the reporting period.

(11) DE MINIMIS. A value twenty-five dollars ($25) or less per occasion and an aggregate of fifty dollars ($50) or less in a calendar year from any single provider, or such other amounts as may be prescribed by the Ethics Commission from time to time by rule pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act or adjusted each four years from August 1, 2012, to reflect any increase in the cost of living as indicated by the United States Department of Labor Consumer Price Index or any succeeding equivalent index.

(12) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUNCTION. Any function reasonably and directly related to the advancement of a specific, good-faith economic development or trade promotion project or objective.

(13) EDUCATIONAL FUNCTION. A meeting, event, or activity held within the State of Alabama, or if the function is predominantly attended by participants from other states, held within the continental United States, which is organized around a formal program or agenda of educational or informational speeches, debates, panel discussions, or other presentations concerning matters within the scope of the participants’ official duties or other matters of public policy, including social services and community development policies, economic development or trade, ethics, government services or programs, or government operations, and which, taking into account the totality of the program or agenda, could not reasonably be perceived as a subterfuge for a purely social, recreational, or entertainment function.

(14) FAMILY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE. The spouse or a dependent of the public employee.

(15) FAMILY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC OFFICIAL. The spouse, a dependent, an adult child and his or her spouse, a parent, a spouse’s parents, a sibling and his or her spouse, of the public official.

(16) GOVERNMENTAL CORPORATIONS AND AUTHORITIES. Public or private corporations and authorities, including but not limited to, hospitals or other health care corporations, established pursuant to state law by state, county or municipal governments for the purpose of carrying out a specific governmental function. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all employees, including contract employees, of hospitals or other health care corporations and authorities are exempt from the provisions of this chapter.

(17) HOUSEHOLD. The public official, public employee, and his or her spouse and dependents.

(18) LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. A full-time employee of a governmental unit responsible for the prevention or investigation of crime who is authorized by law to carry firearms, execute search warrants, and make arrests.

(19) LEGISLATIVE BODY. The term “legislative body” includes the following:

a. The Legislature of Alabama, which includes both the Senate of Alabama and the House of Representatives of Alabama, unless specified otherwise by the express language of any provision herein, and any committee or subcommittee thereof.

b. A county commission, and any committee or subcommittee thereof.

c. A city council, city commission, town council, or other municipal council or commission, and any committee or subcommittee thereof.

(20) LOBBY or LOBBYING. The practice of promoting, opposing, or in any manner influencing or attempting to influence the introduction, defeat, or enactment of legislation before any legislative body; opposing or in any manner influencing the executive approval, veto, or amendment of legislation; or the practice of promoting, opposing, or in any manner influencing or attempting to influence the enactment, promulgation, modification, or deletion of regulations before any regulatory body. The term does not include providing public testimony before a legislative body or regulatory body or any committee thereof.

(21) LOBBYIST

a. The term lobbyist includes any of the following:

1. 1. A person who receives compensation or reimbursement from another person, group, or entity to lobby.
   2. A person who lobbies as a regular and usual part of employment, whether or not any compensation in addition to regular salary and benefits is received.
   3. A consultant to the state, county, or municipal levels of government or their instrumentalities, in any manner employed to influence legislation or regulation, regardless whether the consultant is paid in whole or part from state, county, municipal, or private funds.
   4. An employee, a paid consultant, or a member of the staff of a lobbyist, whether or not he or she is paid, who regularly communicates with members of a legislative body regarding pending legislation and other matters while the legislative body is in session

b. The term lobbyist does not include any of the following:

1. 1. An elected official on a matter which involves that person’s official duties.
   2. A person or attorney rendering professional services in drafting bills or in advising clients and in rendering opinions as to the construction and effect of proposed or pending legislation, executive action, or rules or regulations, where those professional services are not otherwise connected with legislative, executive, or regulatory action.
   3. Reporters and editors while pursuing normal reportorial and editorial duties.
   4. Any citizen not lobbying for compensation who contacts a member of a legislative body, or gives public testimony on a particular issue or on particular legislation, or for the purpose of influencing legislation and who is merely exercising his or her constitutional right to communicate with members of a legislative body.
   5. A person who appears before a legislative body, a regulatory body, or an executive agency to either sell or purchase goods or services.
   6. A person whose primary duties or responsibilities do not include lobbying, but who may, from time to time, organize social events for members of a legislative body to meet and confer with members of professional organizations and who may have only irregular contacts with members of a legislative body when the body is not in session or when the body is in recess.
   7. A person who is a member of a business, professional, or membership organization by virtue of the person’s contribution to or payment of dues to the organization even though the organization engages in lobbying activities.
   8. A state governmental agency head or his or her designee who provides or communicates, or both, information relating to policy or positions, or both, affecting the governmental agencies which he or she represents.

(22) MINOR VIOLATION.

a. Any violation of this chapter in which the public official receives an economic gain in an amount less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) or the governmental entity has an economic loss of less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500).

b. Any violation of this chapter by a public employee as determined in the discretion of the commission and the Attorney General or the district attorney for the appropriate jurisdiction based upon consideration of the following factors:

1. The public employee has made substantial or full restitution to the victim or victims.

2. The violation did not involve multiple participants.

3. The violation did not involve great monetary gain to the public employee or great monetary loss to the victim or victims.

4. The violation did not involve a high degree of sophistication or planning; did not occur over a lengthy period of time, or did not involve multiple victims and did not involve a single victim that was victimized more than once.

5. The public employee has resigned or been terminated from the position occupied during which the violation occurred and is otherwise not a current public
employee.

(23) PERSON. A business, individual, corporation, partnership, union, association, firm, committee, club, or other organization or group of persons.

(24) PRINCIPAL. A person or business which employs, hires, or otherwise retains a lobbyist. A principal is not a lobbyist but is not allowed to give a thing of value.

(25) PROBABLE CAUSE. A finding that the allegations are more likely than not to have occurred.

(26) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE. Any person employed at the state, county, or municipal level of government or their instrumentalities, including governmental corporations and authorities, but excluding employees of hospitals or other health care corporations including contract employees of those hospitals or other health care corporations, who is paid in whole or in part from state, county, or municipal funds. For purposes of this chapter, a public employee does not include a person employed on a part-time basis whose employment is limited to providing professional services other than lobbying, the compensation for which constitutes less than 50 percent of the part-time employee’s income.

(27) PUBLIC OFFICIAL. Any person elected to public office, whether or not that person has taken office, by the vote of the people at state, county, or municipal level of government or their instrumentalities, including governmental corporations, and any person appointed to a position at the state, county, or municipal level of government or their instrumentalities, including governmental corporations. For purposes of this chapter, a public official includes the chairs and vice-chairs or the equivalent offices of each state political party as defined in Section 17-13-40.

(28) REGULATORY BODY. A state agency which issues regulations in accordance with the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act or a state, county, or municipal department, agency, board, or commission which controls, according to rule or regulation, the activities, business licensure, or functions of any group, person, or persons.

(29) REPORTING PERIOD. The reporting official’s or employee’s fiscal tax year as it applies to his or her United States personal income tax return.

(30) REPORTING YEAR. The reporting official’s or employee’s fiscal tax year as it applies to his or her United States personal income tax return.

(31) RESPONDENT. A person alleged to have violated a provision of this chapter and against whom a complaint has been filed with the commission.

(32) STATEMENT OF ECONOMIC INTERESTS. A financial disclosure form made available by the commission which shall be completed and filed with the commission prior to April 30 of each year covering the preceding calendar year by certain public officials and public employees.

(33) SUPERVISOR. Any person having authority to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, or discipline other public employees, or any person responsible to direct them, or to adjust their grievances, or to recommend personnel action, if, in connection with the foregoing, the exercise of the authority is not of a merely routine or clerical nature but requires the use of independent judgment.

(34) THING OF VALUE.

a. Any gift, benefit, favor, service, gratuity, tickets or passes to an entertainment, social or sporting event, unsecured loan, other than those loans and forbearances made in the ordinary course of business, reward, promise of future employment, or honoraria or other item of monetary value.

b. The term, thing of value, does not include any of the following, provided that no particular course of action is required as a condition to the receipt thereof:

1. A contribution reported under Chapter 5 of Title 17 or a contribution to an inaugural or transition committee.

2. Anything given by a family member of the recipient under circumstances which make it clear that it is motivated by a family relationship.

3. Anything given by a friend of the recipient under circumstances which make it clear that it is motivated by a friendship and not given because of the recipient’s official position. Relevant factors include whether the friendship preexisted the recipient’s status as a public employee, public official, or candidate and whether gifts have been previously exchanged between them.

4. Greeting cards, and other items, services with little intrinsic value which are intended solely for presentation, such as plaques, certificates, and trophies, promotional items commonly distributed to the general public, and items or services of de minimis value.

5. Loans from banks and other financial institutions on terms generally available to the public.

6. Opportunities and benefits, including favorable rates and commercial discounts, available to the public or to a class consisting of all government employees.

7. Rewards and prizes given to competitors in contests or events, including random drawings, which are open to the public.

8. Anything that is paid for by a governmental entity or an entity created by a governmental entity to support the governmental entity or secured by a governmental entity under contract, except for tickets to a sporting event offered by an educational institution to anyone other than faculty, staff, or administration of the institution.

9. Anything for which the recipient pays full value.

10. Compensation and other benefits earned from a non-government employer, vendor, client, prospective employer, or other business relationship in the ordinary course of employment or non-governmental business activities under circumstances which make it clear that the thing is provided for reasons unrelated to the recipient’s public service as a public official or public employee.

11. Any assistance provided or rendered in connection with a safety or a health emergency.

12. Payment of or reimbursement for actual and necessary transportation and lodging expenses, as well as waiver of registration fees and similar costs, to facilitate the attendance of a public official or public employee, and the spouse of the public official or public employee, at an educational function or widely attended event of which the person is a primary sponsor. This exclusion applies only if the public official or public employee meaningfully participates in the event as a speaker or a panel participant, by presenting information related to his or her agency or matters pending before his or her agency, or by performing a ceremonial function appropriate to his or her official position; or if the public official’s or public employee’s attendance at the event is appropriate to the performance of his or her official duties or representative function.

13. Payment of or reimbursement for actual and necessary transportation and lodging expenses to facilitate a public official’s or public employee’s participation in an economic development function.

14. Hospitality, meals, and other food and beverages provided to a public official or public employee, and the spouse of the public official or public employee, as an integral part of an educational function, economic development function, work session, or widely attended event, such as a luncheon, banquet, or reception hosted by a civic club, chamber of commerce, charitable or educational organization, or trade or professional association.

15. Any function or activity pre-certified by the Director of the Ethics Commission as a function that meets any of the above criteria.

16. Meals and other food and beverages provided to a public official or public employee in a setting other than any of the above functions not to exceed for a lobbyist twenty-five dollars ($25) per meal with a limit of one hundred fifty dollars ($150) per year; and not to exceed for a principal fifty dollars ($50) per meal with a limit of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the lobbyist’s limits herein shall not count against the principal’s limits and likewise, the principal’s limits shall not count against the lobbyist’s limits.

17. Anything either (i) provided by an association or organization to which the state or, in the case of a local government official or employee, the local government pays annual dues as a membership requirement or (ii) provided by an association or organization to a public official who is a member of the association or organization and, as a result of his or her service to the association or organization, is deemed to be a public official. Further included in this exception is payment of reasonable compensation by a professional or local government association or corporation to a public official who is also an elected officer or director of the professional or local government association or corporation for services actually provided to the association or corporation in his or her capacity as an officer or director.

18. Any benefit received as a discount on accommodations, when the discount is given to the public official because the public official is a member of an organization or association whose entire membership receives the discount.

c. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to limit, prohibit, or otherwise require the disclosure of gifts through inheritance received by a public employee or public official.

(35) VALUE. The fair market price of a like item if purchased by a private citizen. In the case of tickets to social and sporting events and associated passes, the value is the face value printed on the ticket.

(36) WIDELY ATTENDED EVENT. A gathering, dinner, reception, or other event of mutual interest to a number of parties at which it is reasonably expected that more than 12 individuals will attend and that individuals with a diversity of views or interest will be present.

 

Section 36-25-4

State Ethics Commission – Duties; complaint; investigation; hearings; fees; finding of violation.

(a) The commission shall do all of the following:

(1) Prescribe forms for statements required to be filed by this chapter and make the forms available to persons required to file such statements.

(2) Prepare guidelines setting forth recommended uniform methods of reporting for use by persons required to file statements required by this chapter.

(3) Accept and file any written information voluntarily supplied that exceeds the requirements of this chapter.

(4) Develop, where practicable, a filing, coding, and cross-indexing system consistent with the purposes of this chapter.

(5) Make reports and statements filed with the commission available during regular business hours and online via the Internet to public inquiry subject to such regulations as the commission may prescribe.

(6) Preserve reports and statements for a period consistent with the statute of limitations as contained in this chapter. The reports and statements, when no longer required to be retained, shall be disposed of by shredding the reports and statements and disposing of or recycling them, or otherwise disposing of the reports and statements in any other manner prescribed by law. Nothing in this section shall in any manner limit the Department of Archives and History from receiving and retaining any documents pursuant to existing law.

(7) Make investigations with respect to statements filed pursuant to this chapter, and with respect to alleged failures to file, or omissions contained therein, any statement required pursuant to this chapter and, upon complaint by any individual, with respect to alleged violation of any part of this chapter to the extent authorized by law. When in its opinion a thorough audit of any person or any business should be made in order to determine whether this chapter has been violated, the commission shall direct the Examiner of Public Accounts to have an audit made and a report thereof filed with the commission. The Examiner of Public Accounts, upon receipt of the directive, shall comply therewith.

(8) Report suspected violations of law to the appropriate law-enforcement authorities.

(9) Issue and publish advisory opinions on the requirements of this chapter, based on a real or hypothetical set of circumstances. Such advisory opinions shall be adopted by a majority vote of the members of the commission present and shall be effective and deemed valid until expressly overruled or altered by the commission or a court of competent jurisdiction. The written advisory opinions of the commission shall protect the person at whose request the opinion was issued and any other person reasonably relying, in good faith, on the advisory opinion in a materially like circumstance from liability to the state, a county, or a municipal subdivision of the state because of any action performed or action refrained from in reliance of the advisory opinion. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to protect any person relying on the advisory opinion if the reliance is not in good faith, is not reasonable, or is not in a materially like circumstance. The commission may impose reasonable charges for publication of the advisory opinions and monies shall be collected, deposited, dispensed, or retained as provided herein. On October 1, 1995, all prior advisory opinions of the commission in conflict with this chapter, shall be ineffective and thereby deemed invalid and otherwise overruled unless there has been any action performed or action refrained from in reliance of a prior advisory opinion.

(10) Initiate and continue, where practicable, programs for the purpose of educating candidates, officials, employees, and citizens of Alabama on matters of ethics in government service.

(11) In accordance with Sections 41-22-1 to 41-22-27, inclusive, the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act, prescribe, publish, and enforce rules to carry out this chapter.

(b) Additionally, the commission shall work with the Secretary of State to implement the reporting requirements of the Alabama Fair Campaign Practices Act and shall do all of the following:

(1) Approve all forms required by the Fair Campaign Practices Act.

(2) Suggest accounting methods for candidates, principal campaign committees, and political action committees in connection with reports and filings required by the Fair Campaign Practices Act.

(3) Approve a retention policy for all reports, filings, and underlying documentation required by the Fair Campaign Practices Act.

(4) Approve a manual for all candidates, principal campaign committees, and political action committees, describing the requirements of the Fair Campaign Practices Act that shall be published by the Secretary of State.

(5) Investigate and hold hearings for receiving evidence regarding alleged violations of the Fair Campaign Practices Act as set forth in this chapter that demonstrates a likelihood that the Fair Campaign Practices Act has been violated.

(6) Conduct or authorize audits of any filings required under the Fair Campaign Practices Act if evidence exists that an audit is warranted because of the filing of a complaint in the form required by this chapter or if there exists a material discrepancy or conflict on the face of any filing required by the Fair Campaign Practices Act.

(7) Affirm, set aside, or reduce civil penalties as provided in Section 17-5-19.2.

(8) Refer all evidence and information necessary to the Attorney General or appropriate district attorney for prosecution of any criminal violation of the Fair Campaign Practices Act as set forth in this chapter.

(9) Make investigations with respect to statements filed pursuant to the Fair Campaign Practices Act, and with respect to alleged failures to file, or omissions contained therein, any statement required pursuant to the Fair Campaign Practices Act and, upon complaint by any individual, with respect to alleged violation of any part of that act to the extent authorized by law. When in its opinion a thorough audit of any person or any business should be made in order to determine whether the Fair Campaign Practices Act has been violated, the commission shall direct the Examiner of Public Accounts to have an audit made and a report thereof filed with the commission. The Examiner of Public Accounts, upon receipt of the directive, shall comply therewith.

(10) Issue and publish advisory opinions on the requirements of the Fair Campaign Practices Act, based on a real or hypothetical set of circumstances. Such advisory opinions shall be adopted by a majority vote of the members of the commission present and shall be effective and deemed valid until expressly overruled or altered by the commission or a court of competent jurisdiction. The written advisory opinions of the commission shall protect the person at whose request the opinion was issued and any other person reasonably relying, in good faith, on the advisory opinion in a materially like circumstance from liability of any kind because of any action performed or action refrained from in reliance of the advisory opinion. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to protect any person relying on the advisory opinion if the reliance is not in good faith, is not reasonable, or is not in a materially like circumstance. The commission may impose reasonable charges for publication of the advisory opinions and monies shall be collected, deposited, dispensed, or retained as provided herein.

(11) In accordance with Sections 41-22-1 to 41-22-27, inclusive, the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act, prescribe, publish, and enforce rules to carry out this section.

(c) Except as necessary to permit the sharing of information and evidence with the Attorney General or a district attorney, a complaint filed pursuant to this chapter or the Fair Campaign Practices Act, together with any statement, evidence, or information received from the complainant, witnesses, or other persons shall be protected by and subject to the same restrictions relating to secrecy and nondisclosure of information, conversation, knowledge, or evidence of Sections 12-16-214 to 12-16-216, inclusive, except that a violation of this section shall constitute a Class C felony. Such restrictions shall apply to all investigatory activities taken by the director, the commission, or a member thereof, staff, employees, or any person engaged by the commission in response to a complaint filed with the commission and to all proceedings relating thereto before the commission. Such restrictions shall also apply to all information and evidence supplied to the Attorney General or district attorney.

(d) The commission shall not take any investigatory action on a telephonic or written complaint against a respondent so long as the complainant remains anonymous. Investigatory action on a complaint from an identifiable source shall not be initiated until the true identity of the source has been ascertained and written verification of such ascertainment is in the commission’s files. The complaint may only be filed by a person who has or persons who have credible and verifiable information supporting the allegations contained in the complaint. A complainant may not file a complaint for another person or persons in order to circumvent this subsection. Prior to commencing any investigation, the commission shall: (1) receive a written and signed complaint which sets forth in detail the specific charges against a respondent, and the factual allegations which support such charges; and (2) the director shall conduct a preliminary inquiry in order to make an initial determination that the complaint, on its face alleges facts which if true, would constitute a violation of this chapter or the Fair Campaign Practices Act and that reasonable cause exists to conduct an investigation. If the director determines that the complaint does not allege a violation or that reasonable cause does not exist, the charges shall be dismissed, but such action must be reported to the commission. The commission shall be entitled to authorize an investigation upon written consent of four commission members, upon an express finding that probable cause exists that a violation or violations of this chapter or the Fair Campaign Practices Act have occurred. Upon the commencement of any investigation, the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure as applicable to the grand jury process promulgated by the Alabama Supreme Court shall apply and shall remain in effect until the complaint is dismissed or disposed of in some other manner. A complaint may be initiated by a vote of four members of the commission, provided, however, that the commission shall not conduct the hearing, but rather the hearing shall be conducted by three active or retired judges, who shall be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, at least one of whom shall be Black. The three-judge panel shall conduct the hearing in accordance with the procedures contained in this chapter and in accordance with the rules of the commission. If the three-judge panel unanimously finds that a person covered by this chapter has violated it or that the person covered by the Fair Campaign Practices Act has violated that act, the three-judge panel shall forward the case to the district attorney for the jurisdiction in which the alleged acts occurred or to the Attorney General. In all matters that come before the commission concerning a complaint on an individual, the laws of due process shall apply.

(e) Not less than 45 days prior to any hearing before the commission, the respondent shall be given notice that a complaint has been filed against him or her and shall be given a summary of the charges contained therein. Upon the timely request of the respondent, a continuance of the hearing for not less than 30 days shall be granted for good cause shown. The respondent charged in the complaint shall have the right to be represented by retained legal counsel. The commission may not require the respondent to be a witness against himself or herself.

(f) The commission shall provide discovery to the respondent pursuant to the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure as promulgated by the Alabama Supreme Court.

(g)

(1) All fees, penalties, and fines collected by the commission pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited into the State General Fund.

(2) All monies collected as reasonable payment of costs for copying, reproductions, publications, and lists shall be deemed a refund against disbursement and shall be deposited into the appropriate fund account for the use of the commission.

(h) In the course of an investigation, the commission may subpoena witnesses and compel their attendance and may also require the production of books, papers, documents, and other evidence. If any person fails to comply with any subpoena lawfully issued, or if any witness refuses to produce evidence or to testify as to any matter relevant to the investigation, it shall be the duty of any court of competent jurisdiction or the judge thereof, upon the application of the director, to compel obedience upon penalty for contempt, as in the case of disobedience of a subpoena issued for such court or a refusal to testify therein. A subpoena may be issued only upon the vote of four members of the commission upon the express written request of the director. The subpoena shall be subject to Rules 17.1, 17.2, 17.3, and 17.4 of the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure. The commission upon seeking issuance of the subpoena shall serve a notice to the recipient of the intent to serve such subpoena. Upon the expiration of 10 days from the service of the notice and the proposed subpoena shall be attached to the notice. Any person or entity served with a subpoena may serve an objection to the issuance of the subpoena within 10 days after service of the notice on the grounds set forth under Rule 17.3(c) of the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure, and in such event the subpoena shall not issue until an order to dismiss, modify, or issue the subpoena is entered by a state court of proper jurisdiction, the order to be entered within 30 days after making of the objection. Any vote taken by the members of the commission relative to the issuance of a subpoena shall be protected by and subject to the restrictions relating to secrecy and nondisclosure of information, conversation, knowledge, or evidence of Sections 12-16-214 to 12-16-216, inclusive.

(i) After receiving or initiating a complaint, the commission has 180 days to determine whether probable cause exists. At the expiration of 180 days from the date of receipt or commencement of a complaint, if the commission does not find probable cause, the complaint shall be deemed dismissed and cannot be reinstated based on the same facts alleged in the complaint. Upon good cause shown from the general counsel and chief investigator, the director may request from the commission a one-time extension of 180 days. Upon the majority vote of the commission, the staff may be granted a one-time extension of 180 days in which to complete the investigation. If the commission finds probable cause that a person covered by this chapter has violated it or that the person covered by the Fair Campaign Practices Act has violated that act, the case and the commission’s findings shall be forwarded to the district attorney for the jurisdiction in which the alleged acts occurred or to the Attorney General. The case, along with the commission’s findings, shall be referred for appropriate legal action. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to limit the commission’s ability to take appropriate legal action when so requested by the district attorney for the appropriate jurisdiction or by the Attorney General.

(j) Within 180 days of receiving a case referred by the commission, the Attorney General or district attorney to whom the case was referred may, upon written request of the commission notify the commission, in writing, stating whether he or she intends to take action against the respondent, including an administrative disposition or settlement, conduct further investigation, or close the case without taking action. If the Attorney General or district attorney decides to pursue the case, he or she, upon written request of the commission, may inform the commission of the final disposition of the case. The written information pursuant to this section shall be maintained by the commission and made available upon request as a public record. The director may request an oral status update from the Attorney General or district attorney from time to time.

 

Section 36-25-5.2

Public disclosure of information regarding officials, candidates, or spouses employed by or contracting with the state or federal government.

(a) For purposes of this section, the term state shall include the State of Alabama and any of its agencies, departments, political subdivisions, counties, colleges and universities and technical schools, the Legislature, the appellate courts, district courts, circuit courts and municipal courts, municipal corporations, and city and county school systems.

(b) Each public official and the spouse of each public official, as well as each candidate and the spouse of each candidate, who is employed by the state or the federal government or who has a contract with the state or the federal government, or who works for a company that receives 50% or more of its revenue from the state, shall notify the commission of such employment or contract within 30 days of beginning employment or within 30 days of the beginning of the contract. Additionally, each public official and the spouse of each public official, as well as each candidate and the spouse of each candidate, who is employed by the state or the federal government or who has a contract with the state or the federal government on August 14, 2011, shall notify the commission of such employment or contract by September 13, 2011. Notification shall be in the form of a filing as described in subsection (c).

(c) The filing with the commission shall include all of the following:

(1) The name of the public official or, when applicable, the name of the candidate.

(2) The name of the spouse of the public official or, when applicable, the name of the spouse of the candidate.

(3) The department or agency or county or municipality with whom the public official, candidate, or spouse is employed or with whom the public official, candidate, or spouse has a contract.

(4) The exact job description or, if applicable, a description of the contract.

(5) The beginning and ending dates of employment or, if applicable, the beginning and ending dates of the contract.

(6) The compensation, including any and all salary, allowances, and fees, received by the public official or his or her spouse or the candidate or his or her spouse.

(d) If the terms of employment or of the contract change, the public official or his or her spouse or the candidate or his or her spouse shall promptly provide updated information concerning the change with the commission, which shall revise such information in its files.

(e) Filings collected by the commission pursuant to this section are public record and shall be made available on the commission’s website.

 

Section 36-25-6

Use of contributions.

Contributions to an office holder, a candidate, or to a public official’s inaugural or transitional fund shall not be converted to personal use.

 

Section 36-25-13

Actions of former public officials or public employees prohibited for two years after departure.

(a) No public official shall serve for a fee as a lobbyist or otherwise represent clients, including his or her employer before the board, agency, commission, department, or legislative body, of which he or she is a former member for a period of two years after he or she leaves such membership. For the purposes of this subsection, such prohibition shall not include a former member of the Alabama judiciary who as an attorney represents a client in a legal, non-lobbying capacity.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a), no public official elected to a term of office shall serve for a fee as a lobbyist or otherwise represent clients, including his or her employer, before the board, agency, commission, department, or legislative body of which he or she is a former member for a period of two years following the term of office for which he or she was elected, irrespective of whether the member left the office prior to the expiration of the term to which he or she was elected. For the purposes of this subsection, such prohibition shall not include a former member of the Alabama judiciary who as an attorney represents a client in a legal, non-lobbying capacity.

(c) No public employee shall serve for a fee as a lobbyist or otherwise represent clients, including his or her employer before the board, agency, commission, or department, of which he or she is a former employee or worked pursuant to an arrangement such as a consulting agreement, agency transfer, loan, or similar agreement for a period of two years after he or she leaves such employment or working arrangement. For the purposes of this subsection, such prohibition shall not include a former employee of the Alabama judiciary who as an attorney represents a client in a legal, non-lobbying capacity.

(d) Except as specifically set out in this section, no public official, director, assistant director, department or division chief, purchasing or procurement agent having the authority to make purchases, or any person who participates in the negotiation or approval of contracts, grants, or awards or any person who negotiates or approves contracts, grants, or awards shall enter into, solicit, or negotiate a contract, grant, or award with the governmental agency of which the person was a member or employee for a period of two years after he or she leaves the membership or employment of such governmental agency. Notwithstanding the prohibition in this subsection a person serving full-time as the director or a department or division chief who has retired from a governmental agency may enter into a contract with the governmental agency of which the person was an employee for the specific purpose of providing assistance to the governmental agency during the transitional period following retirement, but only if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The contract does not extend for more than three months following the date of retirement.

(2) The retiree is at all times in compliance with Section 36-27-8.2.

(3) The compensation paid to the retiree through the contract, when combined with the monthly retirement compensation paid to the retiree, does not exceed the gross monthly compensation paid to the retiree on the date of retirement.

(4) The contract is submitted to and approved by the Director of the Ethics Commission as satisfying the above conditions prior to the date the retiree begins work under the contract.

(e) Notwithstanding subsection (d), a municipality may rehire a retired law enforcement officer or a retired firefighter formerly employed by the municipality at any time to provide public safety services if all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) A local law is enacted authorizing the rehire of retired law enforcement officers or firefighters formerly employed by the municipality.

(2) The municipality rehiring a retiree provides a copy of the local law referenced in subdivision (1) to the Director of the Ethics Commission.

(3) Upon a determination to rehire a retired law enforcement officer or firefighter, the municipality immediately provides notice to the Director of the Ethics Commission that the former employee is being rehired.

(f) No public official or public employee who personally participates in the direct regulation, audit, or investigation of a private business, corporation, partnership, or individual shall within two years of his or her departure from such employment solicit or accept employment with such private business, corporation, partnership, or individual.

(g) No former public official or public employee of the state may, within two years after termination of office or employment, act as attorney for any person other than himself or herself or the state, or aid, counsel, advise, consult or assist in representing any other person, in connection with any judicial proceeding or other matter in which the state is a party or has a direct and substantial interest and in which the former public official or public employee participated personally and substantially as a public official or employee or which was within or under the public official or public employee’s official responsibility as an official or employee. This prohibition shall extend to all judicial proceedings or other matters in which the state is a party or has a direct and substantial interest, whether arising during or subsequent to the public official or public employee’s term of office or employment.

(h) Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to limit the right of a public official or public employee to publicly or privately express his or her support for or to encourage others to support and contribute to any candidate, political committee as defined in Section 17-22A-2 [sic], referendum, ballot question, issue, or constitutional amendment.

 

Section 36-25-14

Filing of statement of economic interests.

(a) A statement of economic interests shall be completed and filed in accordance with this chapter with the commission no later than April 30 of each year covering the period of the preceding calendar year by each of the following:

(1) All elected public officials at the state, county, or municipal level of government or their instrumentalities.

(2) Any person appointed as a public official and any person employed as a public employee at the state, county, or municipal level of government or their instrumentalities who occupies a position whose base pay is seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) or more annually, as adjusted by the commission by January 31 of each year to reflect changes in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index, or a successor index.

(3) All candidates, provided the statement is filed on the date the candidate files his or her qualifying papers or, in the case of an independent candidate, on the date the candidate complies with the requirements of Section 17-9-3.

(4) Members of the Alabama Ethics Commission; appointed members of boards and commissions having statewide jurisdiction (but excluding members of solely advisory boards).

(5) All full-time nonmerit employees, other than those employed in maintenance, clerical, secretarial, or other similar positions.

(6) Chief clerks and chief managers.

(7) Chief county clerks and chief county managers.

(8) Chief administrators.

(9) Chief county administrators.

(10) Any public official or public employee whose primary duty is to invest public funds.

(11) Chief administrative officers of any political subdivision.

(12) Chief and assistant county building inspectors.

(13) Any county or municipal administrator with power to grant or deny land development permits.

(14) Chief municipal clerks.

(15) Chiefs of police.

(16) Fire chiefs.

(17) City and county school superintendents and school board members.

(18) City and county school principals or administrators.

(19) Purchasing or procurement agents having the authority to make any purchase.

(20) Directors and assistant directors of state agencies.

(21) Chief financial and accounting directors.

(22) Chief grant coordinators.

(23) Each employee of the Legislature or of agencies, including temporary committees and commissions established by the Legislature, other than those employed in maintenance, clerical, secretarial, or similar positions.

(24) Each employee of the Judicial Branch of government, including active supernumerary district attorneys and judges, other than those employed in maintenance, clerical, secretarial, or other similar positions.

(25) Every full-time public employee serving as a supervisor.

(b) Unless otherwise required by law, no public employee occupying a position earning less than seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) per year shall be required to file a statement of economic interests, as adjusted by the commission by January 31 of each year to reflect changes in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index, or a successor index. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) or any other provision of this chapter, no coach of an athletic team of any four-year institution of higher education which receives state funds shall be required to include any income, donations, gifts, or benefits, other than salary, on the statement of economic interests, if the income, donations, gifts, or benefits are a condition of the employment contract. Such statement shall be made on a form made available by the commission. The duty to file the statement of economic interests shall rest with the person covered by this chapter. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to exclude any public employee or public official from this chapter regardless of whether they are required to file a statement of economic interests. The statement shall contain the following information on the person making the filing:

(1) Name, residential address, business; name, address, and business of living spouse and dependents; name of living adult children; name of parents and siblings; name of living parents of spouse. Undercover law enforcement officers may have their residential addresses and the names of family members removed from public scrutiny by filing an affidavit stating that publicizing this information would potentially endanger their families.

(2) A list of occupations to which one third or more of working time was given during previous reporting year by the public official, public employee, or his or her spouse.

(3) A listing of total combined household income of the public official or public employee during the most recent reporting year as to income from salaries, fees, dividends, profits, commissions, and other compensation and listing the names of each business and the income derived from such business in the following categorical amounts: less than one thousand dollars ($1,000); at least one thousand dollars ($1,000) and less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000); at least ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000); at least one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) and less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000); or at least two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) or more. The person reporting shall also name any business or subsidiary thereof in which he or she or his or her spouse or dependents, jointly or severally, own five percent or more of the stock or in which he or she or his or her spouse or dependents serves as an officer, director, trustee, or consultant where the service provides income of at least one thousand dollars ($1,000) and less than five thousand dollars ($5,000); or at least five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more for the reporting period.

(4) If the filing public official or public employee, or his or her spouse, has engaged in a business during the last reporting year which provides legal, accounting, medical or health related, real estate, banking, insurance, educational, farming, engineering, architectural management, or other professional services or consultations, then the filing party shall report the number of clients of such business in each of the following categories and the income in categorical amounts received during the reporting period from the combined number of clients in each category: Electric utilities, gas utilities, telephone utilities, water utilities, cable television companies, intrastate transportation companies, pipeline companies, oil or gas exploration companies, or both, oil and gas retail companies, banks, savings and loan associations, loan or finance companies, or both, manufacturing firms, mining companies, life insurance companies, casualty insurance companies, other insurance companies, retail companies, beer, wine or liquor companies or distributors, or combination thereof, trade associations, professional associations, governmental associations, associations of public employees or public officials, counties, and any other businesses or associations that the commission may deem appropriate. Amounts received from combined clients in each category shall be reported in the following categorical amounts: Less than one thousand dollars ($1,000); more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) and less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000); at least ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and less than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000); at least twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) and less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000); at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) and less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000); at least one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) and less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000); or at least two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) or more.

(5) If retainers are in existence or contracted for in any of the above categories of clients, a listing of the categories along with the anticipated income to be expected annually from each category of clients shall be shown in the following categorical amounts: Less than one thousand dollars ($1,000); at least one thousand dollars ($1,000) and less than five thousand dollars ($5,000); or at least five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more.

(6) If real estate is held for investment or revenue production by a public official, his or her spouse or dependents, then a listing thereof in the following fair market value categorical amounts: Under fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000); at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) and less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000); at least one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) and less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000); at least two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) or more. A listing of annual gross rent and lease income on real estate shall be made in the following categorical amounts: Less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000); at least ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) or more. If a public official or a business in which the person is associated received rent or lease income from any governmental agency in Alabama, specific details of the lease or rent agreement shall be filed with the commission.

(7) A listing of indebtedness to businesses operating in Alabama showing types and number of each as follows: Banks, savings and loan associations, insurance companies, mortgage firms, stockbrokers and brokerages or bond firms; and the indebtedness to combined organizations in the following categorical amounts: Less than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000); twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) and less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000); one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) and less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000); one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) and less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000); two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) or more. The commission may add additional business to this listing. Indebtedness associated with the homestead of the person filing is exempted from this disclosure requirement.

(c) Filing required by this section shall reflect information and facts in existence at the end of the reporting year.

(d) If the information required herein is not filed as required, the commission shall notify the public official or public employee concerned as to his or her failure to so file and the public official or public employee shall have 10 days to file the report after receipt of the notification. The commission may, in its discretion, assess a fine of ten dollars ($10) a day, not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), for failure to file timely.

(e) A person who intentionally violates any financial disclosure filing requirement of this chapter shall be subject to administrative fines imposed by the commission, or shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, or both.

Any person who unintentionally neglects to include any information relating to the financial disclosure filing requirements of this chapter shall have 90 days to file an amended statement of economic interests without penalty.

 

Section 36-25-15

Candidates required to file statements of economic interests; notification requirements; failure to submit statement.

(a) Candidates at every level of government shall file a completed statement of economic interests for the previous calendar year with the State Ethics Commission not more than five days after the candidate files his or her qualifying papers with the appropriate election official or in the case of an independent candidate, not more than five days after the date the person complies with the requirements of Section 17-9-3. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to require a second filing of the person’s statement of economic interests if a current statement of economic interests is on file with the commission.

(b) Each election official who receives a declaration of candidacy or petition to appear on the ballot for election from a candidate, within five days of the receipt, shall notify the commission of the name of the candidate, as defined in this chapter, and the date on which the person became a candidate. The commission, within five business days of receipt of the notification, shall notify the election official whether the candidate has complied with this section.

(c) Other provisions of the law notwithstanding, if a candidate does not submit a statement of economic interests or when applicable, an amended statement of economic interests in accordance with the requirements of this chapter, the name of the person shall not appear on the ballot and the candidate shall be deemed not qualified as a candidate in that election. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the commission, for good cause shown, may allow the candidate an additional five days to file the statement of economic interests. If a candidate is deemed not qualified, the appropriate election official shall remove the name of the candidate from the ballot.

 

Section 36-25-27

Penalties; enforcement; jurisdiction, venue, judicial review; limitations period.

(a)

(1) Except as otherwise provided, any person subject to this chapter who intentionally violates any provision of this chapter other than those for which a separate penalty is provided for in this section shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class B felony.

(2) Any person subject to this chapter who violates any provision of this chapter other than those for which a separate penalty is provided for in this section shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(3) Any person subject to this chapter who knowingly violates any disclosure requirement of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(4) Any person who knowingly makes or transmits a false report or complaint pursuant to this chapter shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and shall be liable for the actual legal expenses incurred by the respondent against whom the false report or complaint was filed.

(5) Any person who makes false statements to an employee of the commission or to the commission itself pursuant to this chapter without reason to believe the accuracy of the statements shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(6) Any person subject to this chapter who intentionally violates this chapter relating to secrecy shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class C felony.

(7) Any person subject to this chapter who intentionally fails to disclose information required by this chapter shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(b) If a respondent petitions the commission or the respondent otherwise agrees to an administrative resolution of the complaint filed against him or her, the commission may administratively resolve a complaint filed pursuant to this chapter for minor violations upon a unanimous vote and subsequent approval by the appropriate District Attorney or
the Attorney General. The commission may impose an administrative penalty not to exceed six thousand dollars ($6,000) for any minor violation of this chapter. In addition to any administrative penalty, the commission shall order restitution in the amount of any economic loss to the state, county, municipality, or instrumentality of the state, county, or municipality, and when collected, the restitution shall be paid by the commission, to the entity having the economic loss.  The commission, through its attorney, shall institute proceedings to recover any penalties or restitution or other such funds so ordered pursuant to this section which are not paid by, or on behalf of, the public official or public employee or other person who has violated this chapter. Nothing in this section shall be deemed in any manner to prohibit the commission and the respondent from entering into a consent decree settling a complaint which has previously been designated by the commission for administrative resolution, so long as the consent decree is approved by the commission. If the commission, the respondent, and the Attorney General or district attorney having jurisdiction, all concur that a complaint is deemed to be handled administratively, the action shall preclude any criminal prosecution pursuant to this chapter at the state, county, or municipal level.

(c) The enforcement of this chapter shall be vested in the commission; provided, however, nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to limit or otherwise prohibit the Attorney General or the district attorney for the appropriate jurisdiction from enforcing any provision of this chapter as they deem appropriate. In the event the commission, by majority vote, finds that any provision of this chapter has been violated, the alleged violation and any investigation conducted by the commission shall be referred to the district attorney of the appropriate jurisdiction or the Attorney General. The commission shall provide any and all appropriate assistance to such district attorney or Attorney General. Upon the request of such district attorney or the Attorney General, the commission may institute, prosecute, or take such other appropriate legal action regarding such violations, proceeding therein with all rights, privileges, and powers conferred by law upon assistant attorneys general.

(d) Nothing in this chapter limits the power of the state to punish any person for any conduct which otherwise constitutes a crime by statute or at common law.

(e) The penalties prescribed in this chapter do not in any manner limit the power of a legislative body to discipline its own members or to impeach public officials and do not limit the powers of agencies, departments, boards, or commissions to discipline their respective officials, members, or employees.

(f) If a person fails to pay any penalty, fine, or restitution imposed by the commission pursuant to this chapter, the commission may file an action to collect the penalty, fine, or restitution in the District Court or Circuit Court of Montgomery County. The person shall be responsible for paying all costs associated with the collection of the penalty, fine, or restitution.

(g) Each district or circuit court of this state shall have jurisdiction in all cases and actions relating to the enforcement of this chapter, and the venue of any action pursuant to this chapter shall be in the county in which the alleged violation occurred, or in those cases where the alleged violation  occurred outside the State of Alabama or for failure to properly or timely file any form required by the commission, in Montgomery County. In the case of judicial review of any administrative decision of the commission, the commission’s order, rule, or decision shall be taken as prima facie just and reasonable and the court shall not substitute its judgment for that of the commission as to the weight of the evidence on questions of fact except where otherwise authorized by law.

(h) Any felony prosecution brought pursuant to this chapter shall be commenced within four years after the commission of the offense.

(i) Any misdemeanor prosecution brought pursuant to this chapter shall be commenced within two years after the commission of the offense.

(j) Nothing in this chapter is intended to nor is to be construed as repealing in any way the provisions of any of the criminal laws of this state.

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