Qualifying for August municipal election begins in two months
Two months remain before the qualifying period opens for the August municipal election.
Hartselle residents will head to the polls Aug. 26 for the 2025 municipal elections, with a runoff election scheduled for Sept. 23, if necessary. The election will determine the next mayor, city council members and city school board members. To qualify as a candidate, individuals must be at least 18 years old, a qualified voter and a resident of Hartselle for at least 90 days prior to the election. Candidates must file a Statement of Candidacy with City Clerk Rita Lee, pay a $50 qualifying fee and submit a Statement of Economic Interest. Additionally, candidates are required to comply with the Fair Campaign Practices Act (FCPA), including electronically filing the necessary forms with the Alabama Secretary of State’s office.
The qualifying period for candidates will be held from June 10-24. Filing hours will be from 8- 11 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. each day, with the final day for filing ending at 5 p.m. Candidates are encouraged to contact Lee’s office in advance to schedule an appointment. Absentee voting will be available following the end of the qualifying period, and any eligible voter may pick up an absentee ballot application from the city clerk’s office. Signed applications must be mailed or personally delivered to the office in separate envelopes, with voters having the option to complete their absentee ballot request in person at the time of pick-up.
Salaries for elected officials vary, with the mayor earning $79,226 annually, along with a $5,000 annual expense allowance and health insurance coverage. The council president will earn $9,500 annually, council members will receive $8,000, and school board members will be paid $6,000 annually. Newly elected officials will take office the first Monday in November.
For more information on the election process, candidates should contact Lee at 256-751-4926 or by email at rlee@hartselle.org or visit the city’s website. Additional details on candidate filing requirements and absentee voting can be found on the Alabama Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.state.al.us and the Alabama Ethics Commission website at www.ethics.alabama.gov.
