Alabama § 11-46-44 - Votes Not to Be Counted until Polls Closed; Disposition of Poll Lists and Affidavits; Counting of Ballots.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 11-46-44 — Votes Not to Be Counted until Polls Closed; Disposition of Poll Lists and Affidavits; Counting of Ballots., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 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.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 11-46-44
What does Code of Alabama § 11-46-44 cover?
Section 11-46-44 ("Votes Not to Be Counted until Polls Closed; Disposition of Poll Lists and Affidavits; Counting of Ballots.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 11-46-44?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 11-46-44" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 11-46-44 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.