AL HB236

Write-in votes permitted only in non-municipal general elections; voter must write the name and mark the designated space to cast a valid write-in vote.

Write-in vote not counted if not properly registered; if voter marks a regular candidate but writes in another name without marking the write-in space, the regular vote counts.

Properly registered write-in votes causing over-votes result in no votes being counted for that office, but the remainder of the ballot is counted; poll officials must check for over-votes if electronic ballot counter cannot.

All write-in ballots returned to county central location on election night and counted by canvassing board or appointed election officials on or before noon on Tuesday, seven days after the election.

Poll workers counting write-in ballots on days other than election day receive election day compensation if write-in ballots equal or exceed 5 percent of votes cast in the county; compensation is reimbursable.