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 primarily uses hand marked paper ballots and optical scanners in polling places 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, see: Citizens for Election Integrity Minnesota website.

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.