It’s your turn to run for these local offices, Birmingham
ByJHDaniel
Reading time: 3 minutes
If you’re looking to make a difference civically, why don’t you run for one of the local offices that’s up for election this year, Birmingham?
It’s a meaningful way you can serve your community, especially if you want to make that difference in a positive way.
The time is ripe to throw your hats in, and here are the local positions that are up for election in 2017:
Want to know more about becoming a candidate? Here are the major deets, which can be found in their entirety by visiting the Birmingham City Clerk’s page on the Birmingham Forward website, which is the online governmental arm for the entire city.
Next Scheduled Election:
August 22, 2017 (4th Tuesday in August)
How Do I Go About Filing To Run For A Position?
Candidates interested in running for Birmingham municipal elections should check with the Probate Office by visiting this link or calling the probate office at 205.325.5411 for information or questions regarding campaign filing deadlines and guidelines. You can also visit the Alabama Secretary of State’s website here. Look under the tab that’s marked “Candidates”. You’ll find all the candidate requirements there.
Do I Have To Live in Birmingham?
Yes. Wednesday, May 24, 2017 is the last day a person can become a resident of the municipality and district and still be a candidate for election. Candidates must reside in the municipality and the district for a period of 90 days before the election.
When Can I Start Raising Money?
The first day candidates for municipal elections can begin to raise money is Tuesday, August 22, 2016 . Yes, this means candidates have already started the fundraising process. Stay tuned, my next story will tell you who has already filed to run for these municipal elections.
How Much Money Can I Raise?
Under general law, there is no limitation on the amount an individual or corporation may contribute to the campaign of a person running for municipal office. However, once a candidate establishes a principle campaign committee pursuant to the Fair Campaign Practices Act, the committee must file monthly campaign disclosure reports.
Then What Happens?
The Election Commission is scheduled to call the election On Friday, June 23, 2017 (at least 60 days prior to election). Qualifying begins upon publication of the notice of election.
All candidates for Birmingham Municipal Elections must qualify in the Judge of Probate Office of Jefferson County, Election Division. The contact person is: Alexandria Stephens, County Elections Supervisor, and she can be reached at 205.254.7387.
Qualifying ends at 5 PM on Friday, July 7, 2017 (at least 45 days prior to the date of the election)
Even if you’re not running, don’t forget that Tuesday, August 8, 2017 is the last day to register to vote for the municipal general election.
