Preparations well underway ahead of local elections in Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Polls open in less than two weeks for municipal elections. While cities are preparing for voting day, officials said voters can also get ready to elect their local leaders.

“As far as preparations have gone, everything’s been good,” said Russell Jones, Opelika City Clerk.

“I am very excited that we are so close. We’re almost to the finish line,” said Mountain Brook City Clerk Heather Richards.

City clerks across the state have been racing to that finish line- election day, on August 26th. Richards said they have already tested their ballot tabulators.

“Municipal elections- that is what really runs your life, day to day,” she said. “So, it is very important that you get out and vote for your municipal elections and that you choose a leader.”

When you go to choose that leader, Secretary of State Wes Allen said to not forget your photo ID.

“Making sure that, again, you research these local candidates,” said Allen. “Because they are important. They make policy decisions that affect so many people throughout our state.”

If you’re voting for candidates by absentee ballot, the deadline is August 19th by mail, or August 21st in-person. You can send those to the municipal absentee election manager in your county. Secretary Allen said to also double check where your polling location is.

“Be engaged in the civic process of elections,” he said.

In Opelika, Jones said he will be testing ballot machines and hosting a poll worker training locally next week. Jones agreed that it is important to be engaged in this election.

“A state, local- any kind of election, I would encourage everyone to use their right to vote. Don’t take it for granted,” he said. “It is part of our freedoms here in this country. And you should always exercise that right.”

If you still need to check where your polling location is, you can find that and more on the Secretary of State’s website.