Who certifies the election in Alabama, and by when?

At least two of the three members of the state canvassing board certify results. The statewide canvass must be complete 22 days after the election, by November 25. The Secretary of State then has an independent 10-day window to issue congressional certificates.

Before the state can certify, counties must finish their work. The county canvassing board, made up of the probate judge, the circuit clerk and the sheriff, tallies the precinct results and sends them to the Secretary of State.

County canvassing boards meet at noon on the second Friday after the election, November 13. County canvassing boards must finish the canvass by the second Friday after the election, November 13, 2026.

A recount is automatic when the margin is one half of one percent or less, and it begins within 72 hours after the canvassing board certifies. A petitioned recount must be requested within 48 hours after the county canvass, and the petitioner pays unless the recount changes the outcome.

A contest for a state legislative seat must be filed in circuit court within 20 days after the results are certified, and a contest for a state constitutional office within 10 days after the Speaker of the House announces the results. It appears that federal candidates have no state-law statutory mechanism to force a recount or bring an election contest.