Ala. Code § 11-16-17
On the failure of any inspector or clerk to attend at the hour of 9:00 A.M., the inspector or inspectors present shall complete the number by appointing a qualified elector in the place of each inspector or clerk so absent, every such appointment to be so made that each side shall have representation in the person of at least one inspector and one clerk, and, to that end, the inspector or inspectors making such appointments shall observe the recommendations of a majority of the electors present favoring the side for which such absent inspector or clerk was appointed if they shall make such recommendation.
If no inspector is present at the hour of 9:00 A.M. as aforesaid, then a majority of the qualified electors then present who favor removal shall select one inspector and a majority of the qualified electors then present who oppose removal shall select one inspector, and the two inspectors thus selected shall select a third inspector.
If the returning officer is absent, the inspectors shall appoint a qualified elector to serve as returning officer.
Ala. Code § 11-16-17 (1975)