MADISON – Madison’s newest election is going to the dogs and that’s exactly the point.
Main Street Madison, the city’s downtown revitalization nonprofit, is hosting Madison’s first Pup Mayor race, inviting residents to nominate their four-legged friends for a lighthearted election to crown the city’s top dog.
“We thought this would be a fun way for the community to come together, celebrate their pets and get excited about the revitalization of our downtown,” said Jen DeLessio, executive director of Main Street Madison. “Plus, with our new City Council and mayor being sworn in, the timing felt perfect to add a little canine flair to Madison’s political season.”
How the race works
Dog owners can nominate their pups for the title of Pup Mayor through Saturday by submitting a $25 entry fee, a headshot, and a short “campaign write-up” at mainstreetmadison.org. Candidates will be featured on Main Street Madison’s Facebook and Instagram pages, where voters can learn about each hopeful hound.
Voting runs Oct. 7–31, and every vote costs just $1, with no limit on the number of votes. QR codes posted throughout downtown businesses will make casting a ballot easy for shoppers and visitors.
“We’re even making ‘I Voted for Pup Mayor’ stickers,” DeLessio said.
The campaign trail will include a Pup Rally along Main Street from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 23. The event will feature a pup parade of candidates, vendors, and late-night shopping. The top dogs at that point will advance to the final stretch of voting.
The winner will be announced and inaugurated during a free community “Paw-ty” on Nov. 4, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Homeplace Park. Madison Mayor Ranae Bartlett will be on hand to congratulate the victorious canine.
Duties of the Pup Mayor
The winning pup will serve as the unofficial ambassador of downtown Madison for the next year, appearing in parades, ribbon cuttings, and Main Street Madison events.
DeLessio advised good candidates should be “friendly, treat-motivated, love long walks, and able to sniff out good ideas for our downtown.”
Dogs do not have to live inside Madison’s city limits to run, as long as they can fulfill their “official” duties.
“If you love Madison and can be here for events, you’re welcome to enter,” DeLessio said.
Why it matters
Funds raised through registration fees and voting will support Main Street Madison’s beautification and historic preservation projects downtown. A portion of proceeds will be used to host the Pup Photos with Santa event to benefit the Madison Animal Rescue Foundation (MARF).
Main Street Madison was designated a Main Street Alabama community earlier this year, joining a national network focused on strengthening historic downtowns through events, investment, and community partnerships.
“This Pup Mayor election is just the beginning,” DeLessio said. “We want people to see how vibrant our downtown can be and have a lot of fun while we make it happen.”
How to get involved
- Nominate your dog: Through Oct. 4 at mainstreetmadison.org ($25 entry)
- Vote for candidates: Oct. 7–31, $1 per vote online or via downtown QR codes
- Attend the Pup Rally: Oct. 23, 5–8 p.m., downtown Madison
- Join the Inauguration “Paw-ty”: Nov. 4, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Homeplace Park
For updates and candidate profiles, follow Main Street Madison on Facebook and Instagram.
