Opinion ID: 1691288
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Miscellaneous Votes to be Subtracted from Woodward

Text: In addition to the votes in blocks two and three, the votes of G.R.N. and C.P. are due to be subtracted from Woodward's total. G.R.N. was another poll worker. G.R.N. testified that he was requested to serve as a poll watcher a couple of days before the election. The day before the election he discussed his circumstances with election officials and told them that he wanted to vote absentee. He attempted to vote by emergency ballot, pursuant to Ala. Code 1975, § 17-10-12(c). His attempt was ineffective, however, because the only valid reason for voting pursuant to § 17-10-12(c) is if he or she is required by his or her employer under unforeseen circumstances to be out of the county on an emergency business trip on election day. (Emphasis added.) The section further provides: The applicant shall complete and file an application form designed by the Secretary of State for emergency absentee voters. The form shall contain an affidavit which the applicant shall sign or swear acknowledging that he or she was not aware of the out of county business requirement prior to five days before the election. An applicant who meets the requirements of this subsection may vote by an emergency absentee ballot. (Emphasis added.) G.R.N.'s testimony on its facereveals that he was not entitled to vote under these provisions. Woodward's total is reduced to 106,280. Hale leads by seven votes. The vote of C.P. is, likewise, due to be subtracted from Woodward's total. This is so, because Shelby County is the site of C.P.'s residence and domicile. Woodward's total is thus reduced to 106,279. Hale's total remains 106,287. Hale leads by eight votes.