Low turnout expected in Huntsville’s municipal election tomorrow

HUNTSVILLE – With no mayoral race on the ballot, turnout is expected to be low in tomorrow’s municipal election in the city of Huntsville. Mayor Tommy Battle, who had no opposition at the candidate qualifying deadline, was declared the winner by the City Council on June 27.

Only voters in Districts 1 and 5 will cast ballots for City Council and Huntsville City School Board on Tuesday.

Huntsville City Clerk Shaundrika Edwards said even without a mayor’s race on the ballot she hopes voters’ exercise their right to vote.   

“I can’t predict and say for sure, but absolutely not having the mayor on the ballot could definitely impact turnout,” said Edwards. “But we do still hope that our voters in district one and five will still come out and vote for their candidate.” 

Edwards said preparations have been underway for several months to ensure a smooth election day.  

“We have approximately 137 poll workers and we are opening up 17 precincts across District One and District 5,” she said.  

The preparation includes scheduling the routes of all of the deliveries across 17 precincts. 

“Deliveries also include all the voting machines, the ballot supplies, poll books, everything that’s required on election day,” said Huntsville’s election manager.  

Holding efficient city elections is just one of the many tasks assigned to the city clerk’s office. One Edwards said they are ready for.  

“We’re ready for Tuesday, so we hope voters do come out,” Edwards said.   

The following City Council candidates have qualified to appear on the municipal ballot:

• District 1
  Devyn S. Keith, incumbent
  Reggie McKenzie
  Michelle Watkins
• District 5
  John Meredith, incumbent
  Kim Caudle Lewis

The following Board of Education candidates have qualified to appear on the ballot:

• District 1
  Will Culver
  Claudia Harris
  Chaundra M. Jones
  Pat King
• District 5
  Carlos Mathews, incumbent
  Zara R. Broadenax

Edwards said any voter registration question should go directly to the Madison County Board of Registrars at the Madison County Service Center, 1918 N. Memorial Pkwy., Huntsville, or by phone at 256-532-3510.  Any question pertaining to the city election itself, should be directed to the city clerk’s office at Huntsville City Hall, 3rd Floor, 305 Fountain Circle, Huntsville, or by phone at 256-427-5088.