Anyone interested in running for mayor or city council must visit the city clerk’s office during this period to complete the required paperwork. Candidates should designate about 30 minutes for this task. Appointments with the clerk’s office are appreciated, but not required.
Elections will take place in most municipalities in the state, Talladega being an exception, on Aug. 28.
To qualify, candidates must be a registered voter and must have been a city resident for at least 90 days. They must fill out papers stating these facts along with an ethics form and other materials.
Candidates must also pay $25 to qualify for city council and $50 to qualify for mayor. If a candidate lacks the necessary funds, he or she may sign a statement of indigence.
The Fair Campaign Practices Act requires all candidates also file a list with the probate judge of two to five people serving as their campaign committee. This must be filed by July 23 to run for office. Candidates may serve as their own committee, but must still file a form to that effect with the judge. Forms are available from the probate judge, the city clerk or the secretary of state.
During the campaign, candidates must also file monthly disclosure reports with the judge. Reports are due on the last day of the month up to one month from the election, at which point the reports are due weekly on Fridays.
Under general law, there is no limit to the amount an individual may contribute to a campaign; however, a corporation is limited to $500 per candidate per election, according to the Alabama League of Municipalities.
Mayoral elections are conducted at-large while council elections may be done at-large or by district. A map of voter districts is typically available at the city clerk’s office.
Voters may register through Aug.18 to participate in this year’s elections. Regular absentee ballots are available through Aug. 23.
Polls are open on Election Day from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Election results must be canvassed on Sept. 4. If a candidate receives a majority of the votes, he or she is issued a certification of election. If no candidate receives a majority, a run-off election must be ordered. Run-offs will be held Oct. 9, if necessary.
For more information, contact the local city clerk’s office or refer to the Alabama League of Municipalities website at www.alalm.org.
Contact Emily Adams at eadams@dailyhome.com.
