Local races included on general election ballot

Published 3:00 am Thursday, August 8, 2019

The primary elections for the 2020 Presidential election are fast approaching, but the presidential race won’t be the only item on the ballot.

The election will also include races for each of the county commission districts.

The current commissioners serving those districts are Homer Wright, District 1; Robin Sullivan, District 2; Jimmy Barron, District 3; Chad Copeland, District 4; Charlie Harris, District 5; and Russell Johnson, District 6.

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No candidates have yet publicly declared campaigns for the seats, although candidates can already be raising contributions. The deadline to qualify for the general election is November 8, 2019.

The ballot will also include a race for Alabama’s 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Incumbent Rep. Martha Roby announced last month that she will not be seeking reelection for a sixth term. Republicans Will Dismukes, Barry Moore and Jeff Coleman have already announced campaigns to fill Roby’s seat.

Other races on the ballot will include one U.S. Senate seat, currently held by Democrat Doug Jones; two associate judge seats on the Alabama Supreme Court; two seats on Alabama’s Court of Civil Appeals; two seats on Alabama’s Court of Criminal Appeals; president of the Alabama Public Service Commission; and four seats on the Alabama Board of Education (Districts 1, 3, 5, and 7).

Probate Judge Michael Bunn said one important change recently made in preparations for the election is the change of polling place for Precinct 6 from Ralph Adams Armory to the Collegedale Church of Christ. Robin Sullivan, commissioner for the district, said poll workers and residents requested the move due to the armory’s lack of air conditioning. Notification will be sent out to all voters about the change.

The primaries will be held on March 3, 2019, and any runoff will be held on March 31, 2019. Rep. Wes Allen, R-Troy, said a bill in the 2019 session of the legislature shortened the gap between the primary and runoff.

Eligible voters may register to vote up to 14 days prior to the election. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted five or more days before the election and ballots must be returned by the day before the election.