The Secretary of State shall, not later than 69 days before the general election, certify to the judge of probate of each county in the state a separate list of nominees of each party for office and for each candidate who has requested to be an independent candidate and has filed a written petition in accordance with Section 17-9-3, except nominees for county offices, to be voted for by the voters of such county.
Ala. Code § 17-13-22 (1975)