Ala. Code § 11-43B-4
The initial elections provided for herein, and all subsequent elections, shall be conducted, the vote canvassed, the results declared, and those elected assume the duties of their offices in the same manner as provided by the general law of the state pertaining to municipal elections for mayor-council forms of government, except as otherwise provided by state statute. The mayor shall be elected by the whole of the electors of the city and shall have been a resident of the city for at least 90 days prior to his or her election. Council members shall be elected by the electors of the district which they represent, and shall have been residents of the district which they represent for at least 90 days prior to their election. Any person desiring to become a candidate for mayor or council member must, at the time of filing a statement of candidacy, pay to the city clerk the qualifying fee to be set by ordinance. If any person desiring to become a candidate for mayor or council member is financially unable to pay the filing fee, then that person shall be exempted from the fee upon filing with the city clerk verified statements from three city electors that said candidate is indigent and not financially capable of paying the fee. Within 30 days after the election, every candidate shall file with the city clerk a sworn statement of all election campaign expenses and of each person, firm, or corporation which has contributed funds, itemized for all expenditures and contributions of $100.00 or more.
Ala. Code § 11-43B-4 (1975)