Alabama § 16-9-8 - Taking Office on January 1 Following Election; Procedure Where Successful Candidate Dies or Resigns Prior to Taking Office.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 16-9-8 — Taking Office on January 1 Following Election; Procedure Where Successful Candidate Dies or Resigns Prior to Taking Office., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-9-8. Taking Office on January 1 Following Election; Procedure Where Successful Candidate Dies or Resigns Prior to Taking Office.
(a) In counties in which the county superintendent of education is elected by popular vote, the successful candidate shall take office on January 1 following the date of election. In the event the successful candidate dies or resigns prior to January 1 following the date of election, a successor shall be elected at a special election held for that purpose set upon proclamation of the Governor. County party committees may call primary elections to be held in accordance with Chapter 7 of Title 17, to determine party candidates at the special election. In the event one candidate at the election does not receive a majority of all votes cast at the election, there shall be held a run-off election three weeks after the date of the first election between the two candidates who received the highest number of votes. The incumbent shall continue to hold office until a successor is elected and qualified.
(b) An elected county superintendent of education holding office on May 27, 1997, shall continue to serve the remainder of his or her term. If an elected county superintendent of education resigns or dies in office, his or her successor shall serve only until January 1 following the election of a successor. This section shall apply to the term of any county superintendent of education elected after May 27, 1997.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 16-9-8
What does Code of Alabama § 16-9-8 cover?
Section 16-9-8 ("Taking Office on January 1 Following Election; Procedure Where Successful Candidate Dies or Resigns Prior to Taking Office.") 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 § 16-9-8?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 16-9-8" (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 § 16-9-8 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.