Alabama Code Title 45. Local Laws § 45-37A-52.51

Any person desiring to become a candidate in any election for the office of council member may become such candidate by filing in the office of the judge of probate of the county in which such city is situated, a statement in writing of such candidacy and an affidavit taken and certified by such judge of probate or by a notary public that such person is duly qualified to hold the office for which he or she desires to be a candidate. Such statement shall be filed at least 45 days before the day set for such election and shall be substantially the following form:  State of Alabama, __________ County. I, the undersigned, being first duly sworn, depose and say that I am a citizen of the City of __________ in the state and county, and reside at __________ in the City of __________, that I desire to become a candidate for office as a member of the city council, district number __________, in the City at the election for that office to be held on the __________ day of August next and that I am duly qualified to hold the office if elected thereto and I hereby request that my name be printed upon the official ballot at the election. Signed __________;  Subscribed and sworn to before me by __________ on this ___ day of __________, 2___, and filed in this office for record on that day.__________, Judge of Probate. The statement shall be accompanied by a qualifying fee in the amount of fifty dollars ($50), which fee shall be paid over by the judge of probate to the general fund of the city. At every such election all ballots to be used by voters shall be printed and prepared by the election commission or other body or official charged by law with the duty of conducting elections and at the expense of the city, and shall contain the names of all candidates directly underneath the words, for members of the council. No name shall appear upon the ballot as a candidate for election except the names of such persons as have become candidates according to provisions as above set forth;  no ballot shall be used at any such election except the official ballot prepared by the election commission or other body or official charged by law with the duty of conducting elections, except that the names of candidates may be suitably placed on voting machines if such machines are used to conduct such election. No primary election shall be held for the nomination of candidates for the office of council member and candidates shall be nominated only as hereinabove provided.