The ballots used in said election shall have printed at the top the purpose of such election and, if a tax is proposed to be levied, there shall be printed at the top the rate of such proposed tax, the time such tax is proposed to be continued and that it is to be used for public school purposes. Where the election is only for a proposed tax levy, directly underneath such statement at the top of the ballot in plain type shall be printed on different lines the words, "For proposed taxation," "Against proposed taxation"; and, where the election is for consolidation of school tax districts or a school tax district and adjacent territory and proposed taxation, there shall be so printed the words, "For proposed consolidation and taxation," "Against proposed consolidation and taxation." A blank must be left directly to the left of each line so that the voter may indicate his choice by a cross mark directly to the left and in front of the line expressing his choice.
Ala. Code § 16-13-187 (1975)