Aliceville council approves a package of election ordinances and authorizes electronic vote-counting equipment

At its Feb. 12 meeting, the Aliceville City Council approved three election-related measures: an ordinance to appoint additional election officials to handle absentee ballots, an ordinance fixing candidate qualifying fees, and a resolution authorizing certain electronic vote-counting systems for municipal elections.

Under the ordinance on election officials, the council provided for three additional officials to meet on election day for receiving, counting and returning absentee ballots; the ordinance states these positions are in addition to officials required by law and are to be appointed in the same manner as other election officials. The text cites Alabama Code provisions governing municipal election procedures.

Council also approved an ordinance establishing a $25 qualifying fee for candidates for mayor and council for the Aug. 26, 2025 election, with a provision allowing a prospective candidate who cannot afford the fee to submit an affidavit to the clerk in lieu of payment.

Separately, the council adopted a resolution authorizing use of the DS200 voting machines and the ExpressPoll voter assessment system, noting compliance with Alabama Code §17-7-21 and directing the mayor to file a copy of the resolution with the secretary of state as required by law.

Each measure was moved, seconded and approved during the meeting. No detailed roll-call tallies were given on the record beyond the chair’s announcement that the motions carried.