MADISON — Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today as voters across North Alabama cast ballots in municipal races.
This marks the state’s first major round of off-year municipal elections, meaning no federal or statewide contests appear on the ballot. With historically low turnout in city races and the added wrinkle of an off-year, just a handful of votes could prove decisive.
In Decatur, voters will choose a new mayor after incumbent Tab Bowling opted not to seek reelection. Four candidates are vying for the office: Billy Jackson, Kent Lawrence, William “Butch” Matthews, and Suzie Wiley. Citizens will also decide four city council contests.
Madison voters will also select a new mayor, with City Councilmember Ranae Bartlett, City Administrator Steve Smith, and Margi Daly all on the ballot. Three city council seats are also up for election.
Athens’ election features a tight mayoral race, with incumbent Ronnie Marks facing challenger Danny Whitfield along with third candidate Mark Wilson. Voters there will also decide five city council seats.
In Triana, longtime Mayor Mary Caudle is being challenged by Gregory Hazelwood. District 1 voters will also weigh in on a contested council race between George Ragland and Kenyon Harris.
Florence ballots include races for mayor, six city council districts, and six Florence City School Board seats. Meanwhile, voters in Tuscumbia, Sheffield and Muscle Shoals face contested mayoral and city council races across the Shoals.
Not all of today’s races may be settled tonight. If needed, runoffs will take place Sept. 23, with winners set to take office on Nov. 3.
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