State Summary
Alabama does not require post-election audits.
In 2021, the state legislature passed Act No. 2021-446, which authorizes, though it does not require, the Secretary of State to conduct a one-time post-election audit after the November 2022 statewide general election. The audit can take place between November 30, 2022 and January 31, 2023. One voting location in up to three counties may be selected for audit. In each selected county, one statewide and one county contest would be audited, following a petition by the Secretary of State to the presiding circuit judge for the county.
No information is provided in the Act about audit comprehensiveness or audit counting method. Given the timeframe for the audit, it is not binding upon the results, which must be certified within 22 days of an election for federal and statewide offices. Audit results will be posted publicly at the courthouse following the audit’s conclusion and on the Secretary of State’s website within 30 days.
Voting Systems Used
Alabama uses hand-marked paper ballots and optical scanners statewide, with ballot marking devices for accessibility. For the most up to date information please visit Verified Voting’s Verifier.
For an explanation on the types of voting equipment used, click here.
Audit Comprehensiveness
Alabama does not require post-election audits.
Transparency
Alabama does not require post-election audits.
Audit Counting Method
Alabama does not require post-election audits.
Type Of Audit Units
Alabama does not require post-election audits.
Contests & Issues Audited
Alabama does not require post-election audits.
Addressing Discrepancies
Alabama does not require post-election audits. For recount laws, please visit our Recount Law Database.
Timeline
Alabama does not require post-election audits.
Binding On Official Outcomes
Alabama does not require post-election audits.
Oversight & Conduct
Alabama does not require post-election audits.
Ballot Protection
After completing and signing the certificate of result, the election officials shall roll up, label and seal the ballots, certificates, and other records. They must then be sent, in the same box from which they were taken and counted, to the returning officer (Sheriff). For more information see, Ala. Code § 17-12-14.
Additional Targeted Samples
Alabama does not require post-election audits.
Resources
See Act No. 2021-446.