From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — Elections for local and national elections are looming in 2020 and it’s never too early to begin considering the prospects. Federal primaries in Alabama will be held in March of 2020 with the general election in November. Between those two votes, local cities — including Trussville, Clay, Pinson, Springville, Argo and Center Point — will hold municipal elections for mayor and city council on Aug. 25, 2020.
Trussville City Clerk Lynn Porter offered information that would be important for anyone considering a run for local office.
The office of mayor and city council are non-partisan elections held quadrennially and qualifications are simple.
You must be at least eighteen years of age, a registered voter, have lived in the city at least 90 days prior to the election, and must remain a resident for the four-year term.
A prospective candidate for municipal office may begin raising and spending money with intent to become a candidate one year before the election. There are strict campaign finance laws that must be followed once money is received or expended. The City Clerk can provide other election and campaign finance information and direct you to the forms and requirements.
The actual qualification period for municipal elections is extremely short. This is a two-week period between the first and third Tuesdays in July. If you do not desire to hold public office, but would like to be a part of the process, there is always a need for poll workers.
“Every citizen is encouraged to participate in all elections next year,” Porter said. “For local elections, this may be as a candidate, a poll worker, or most importantly, by casting your vote for the candidate of your choice.”
Porter noted that voter turnout for local elections has diminished in recent elections, but stressed the importance of all votes.
“It seems unusual that the government closest to the people is the one that is regularly overlooked,” Porter said. “Your local government provides for your police and fire protection. They provide for your park and library services. They pave your local streets and clean out your ditches and arrange for your garbage to be removed. In many cities, including Trussville, they provide significant support for local schools. In Jefferson County, cities are allowed to sell vehicle tags. These are issues that touch the lives of every citizen on a daily basis.”
