Ala. Code § 16-9-5
Any political party may, in a county where the county superintendent is elected by a direct vote of the qualified electors, either nominate a candidate for such office or may certify to the probate judge that said political party desires to leave the election of a county superintendent of education to the county board of education. Whenever any political party certifies that such political party desires to leave the selection of such officer to the county board of education, the probate judge shall cause to be entered on the ballot where the names of such candidates (if nominated) would appear, the following: "For selection by the county board of education." Such proposition shall appear on the ballot before the names of the candidates and be arranged so that the elector may express his choice for such proposition in the same manner as he expresses his choice for a candidate. Every qualified elector may vote for such selection by the county board of education or for any candidate for such office. In the event more votes are cast for selection by the county board of education than for any candidate, then the county board shall select such officer for the ensuing term. No elector shall be disqualified from participating in any party caucus, convention or election because he voted for the proposition or selection by the county board of education even though his political party nominated a candidate for such position.
Ala. Code § 16-9-5 (1975)