Ala. Code § 11-43C-22
Vacancies of any nature in the council other than those occurring less than one year prior to the date of the next regular council election, shall be filled by special elections to be held for that purpose, the dates of which shall be set by the council at the next regular meeting or any subsequent meeting of the council after such vacancy occurs, such dates to be set no later than 120 nor less than 45 days after the occurrence of such vacancies. Such elections shall be held in the same manner and subject to the same procedures as regular council elections and the person so elected shall hold office for the remainder of the unexpired term. Such election shall be held in conjunction with a general, special, or constitutional election, if any falls within the period herein specified; otherwise, a special election shall be called by the mayor on the date set by the council and shall be held in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and the general laws applicable to such city.
If a vacancy occurs after reapportionment has changed the district boundaries but before the new districts take effect, the old district boundaries will remain in effect for filling that vacancy.
Vacancies where less than one year remains of the unexpired term shall be filled by appointment by the council.
Ala. Code § 11-43C-22 (1975)