Sheriffs, the enforcement officers of the local courts, have varied roles in elections aside from their normal duties in keep in the peace on election day. In Alabama, for example, the sheriff is a member of the which selects election inspectors and clerk. Ala. Code APPOINTING BOARD, §17-6-1 "The sheriff of each county shall, on each day of election, be present in person or by deputy at all election precincts where elections are held in the county, and he shall preserve good order; and, in order that every elector who desires to vote may do so without interference or interruption, such sheriff or his deputy may specially deputize a sufficient force to act at all election precincts on the day of any election that he may deem necessary." Ala. Code §17-1-2. The sheriff may also be responsible for transporting county to the RETURNS SECRETARY OF STATE.
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Sheriffs, the enforcement officers of the local courts, have varied roles in elections aside from their normal duties in keep in the peace on election day. In Alabama, for example, the sheriff is a member of the which selects election inspectors and clerk. Ala. Code APPOINTING BOARD, §17-6-1 "The sheriff of each county shall, on each day of election, be present in person or by deputy at all election precincts where elections are held in the county, and he shall preserve good order; and, in order that every elector who desires to vote may do so without interference or interruption, such sheriff or his deputy may specially deputize a sufficient force to act at all election precincts on the day of any election that he may deem necessary." Ala. Code §17-1-2. The sheriff may also be responsible for transporting county to the RETURNS SECRETARY OF STATE.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Sheriff. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/sheriff
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