CULLMAN, Ala. – As the 2024 election season nears, Cullman County Republican Party Chair Alex J. Chaney shed light on the GOP qualification process.
“Candidate qualifying opened Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, and will close on Nov. 10, 2023, at 5 p.m., which is 116 days before the Primary Election as required by the Alabama Code 17-13-5(a),” stated Chaney.
For those considering a run under the banner of the Cullman GOP, Chaney outlined qualification steps. “Candidates seeking a state or county position must file a declaration of candidacy, along with the appropriate qualifying fees,” he said. “Interested parties should get in touch with either myself or Kenneth Cornelius, our campaign committee chair.”
Chaney noted that several candidates have already signaled their intentions. Most incumbents are planning to run again.
Two local attorneys have their eyes set on Circuit Court Judge, 32nd Judicial Circuit, Place 2, a seat currently held by Judge Martha Williams. Williams is not seeking re-election. Cullman County Attorney Emily Niezer Johnston and Cullman attorney Melvin Hastings have spoken at recent Republican events stating their intentions to run for Williams’ vacant seat. Johnston officially announced her candidacy on Oct. 9.
Additionally, Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette on Oct. 7 officially declared his intention to run for election. Barnette was appointed to the role by the Cullman County School Board in 2016. Last November, Cullman County voters decided the superintendent position should be an elected one.
Chaney emphasized some essential points for those unfamiliar or out of touch with the election process.
“Apart from filing a declaration and paying the fees, qualified candidates must also submit a campaign finance report to the party once they qualify,” he said. “This is a critical step that ensures transparency in the campaign process.”
The Cullman County Election Department released upcoming election dates, as well as the offices that will be on the ballot.
Presidential Preference and Alabama statewide election dates
- Primary Election: March 5, 2024
- Primary Runoff Election: April 16, 2024
- General Election: Nov. 5, 2024
Offices on the ballot:
- President and Vice-President of the United States
- United States Representative, 4th Congressional District
- Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
- Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Place No. 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Court of Civil Appeals Judge, Place No. 1, 2 and 3
- Court of Criminal Appeals Judge, Place No. 1, 2 and 3
- President, Public Service Commission
- Circuit Court Judge, 32nd Judicial Circuit, Place No. 1 and 2
- District Court Judge, Cullman County, Place No. 2
- Circuit Clerk, Cullman County
- Cullman County Judge of Probate
- Cullman County Commission Chairman
- Member, Cullman County Commission, Districts 3 and 4
- Superintendent, Cullman County Board of Education
- Member, Cullman County Board of Education for West Point, District No. 1
- Cullman County Board of Education for Holly Pond, District No. 3
- Cullman County Board of Education for Cold Springs/District No. 5
As Cullman County braces for a busy election year, residents are encouraged to stay informed, participate actively and cast their votes responsibly. More information on candidates and Primary Election rules will be provided as election time gets closer.
Get more information on the Cullman GOP at www.facebook.com/CullmanGOP.
Look for a separate story on the Cullman County Democratic Party. Get more information on the local Democratic Party at www.cullmandemocrats.org.
Copyright 2023 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
