By Staff
So, you've decided to qualify for office during the upcoming municipal election. What are the basic requirements for the filing of your qualification?
First, the Fair Campaign Practices Act requires all candidates to file (with the Probate Judge) a list of from two to five persons who will serve as their campaign committee (if organized). Candidates may serve as their own committee, but must still file a form to this effect with the Probate Judge. This form must be filed within five days of qualifying to run for office. The form must also be filed regardless of whether the candidate has reached the $1,000 threshold under the Fair Campaign Practices Act. Forms are available from the Probate Judge, Secretary of State or Municipal Clerk's office.
The Ethics Law requires candidates to file a Statement of Economic Interests with the City Clerk and must be filed with the qualifying form. A candidate for municipal office may request a five day extension to file the Statement of Economic Interests, but must be made through the City Clerk within the five days. The City Clerk is required to remove from the ballot the name of any candidate who fails to file the Statement of Economic Interests by the deadline. Incumbents are not required to file a statement as they are required to submit an annual report, which is on file with the Ethics Commission.
Qualification for office will be from July 1 – 15, 2008; the City Clerk will order the ballots shortly after qualification ends on July 15. A list of qualified voters (electors) will also be prepared. A list of election officers and the voting places to which they are assigned must be published no later than Aug. 16, 2008; if any reader is interested in working the polls for a day (Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008 from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.) please contact the City Clerk's office. Poll hours for voters will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If a run-off is required, it will be conducted Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008 under the same guidelines.
Feel free to come by or call the City Clerk with any questions or comments about the Brewton Municipal Election at 809-1770.
John Angel is the cler/treasurer for the City of Brewton.