The Alexander City Outlook

Alexander City’s municipal election is set for Tuesday, Aug. 28, with a runoff election slated for Tuesday, Oct. 8 if needed.

According to city clerk Harriett Scott, candidates must meet multiple requirements in order to qualify.

Qualifying dates are set for July 3 at 8 a.m. through July 17 at 5 p.m.

“The main things they need to know is that they have to be a qualified voter and … reside in the district (in which they’re qualifying) for 90 days (prior to the date of the election),” Scott said.

Scott said there are 11 items candidates need to fill out – some with multiple sections.

Scott requested anyone who is turning in qualifying forms schedule a meeting with her beforehand so she can make sure each candidate has the required information.

“I ask that they make an appointment for when they come qualify so I can go over it with them,” Scott said. “If I don’t know they’re coming, they might have to wait an hour or so.”

According to the 2012 Municipal Election Guide, which is provided to all candidates, no person may become a candidate for more than one office to be filled at the election.

Candidates are also required to pay a $50 qualifying fee to run for mayor and a $25 fee to run for a city council position. If a candidate withdraws before the election, they must give written notice of withdrawal, and the qualifying fee is non-refundable.

The municipal election guide also states that candidates must provide a Statement of Economic Interest, which is required by state ethics law. Incumbents will not have to provide statements as they are required to provide an annual report no later than April 30 of each year they hold an elected office.

The election guide also explains the Fair Campaign Practices Act and how candidates can follow those guidelines.

“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,” the guide reads. “Candidates may serve as their own committee but must still file a form to this effect with the probate judge.”

The candidate’s committee must maintain a checking account for all campaign contributions and disbursements.

“No candidate may use personal funds to help his or her election except by contribution of those personal funds to the campaign committee he or she has designated,” the guidelines state.

The form must be filed within five days of qualifying for office or when a candidate either reaches $1,000 in campaign contributions or $1,000 in campaign expenditures.

The municipal election guide also details rules about prohibited activities during a campaign, political advertising and campaign signs.

For more information on qualifying, contact Scott at (256) 329-6717 or email harriett.scott@alexandercityal.gov.

Any candidate wishing to announce his or her candidacy in The Outlook should contact reporters at editor@alexcityoutlook.com or call (256) 234-4281.