In preparation for municipal elections on August 28, Heflin residents wishing to be on the 2012 ballot have between July 3 until July 17 to qualify. Unlike the general election for state and national representation, municipal elections are only for city council positions and mayor.
According to Heflin City Clerk Terri Daulton, municipal elections are managed and financed by the city. She said candidate packets will be available for Heflin residents seeking public office and the packets will include information about the city, municipal elections, and forms required by Alabama law.
Daulton said candidates must have lived here for not less than 90 days before running for office. According to documents from the Alabama Ethics Committee, the body which governs elections within the state, candidates must also complete a Statement of Economic Interest and submit it to election officials.
Visit the Alabama Ethics Committee website to view a Statement of Economic Interest PDF.
Along with completing required paperwork and submitting it either by mail or electronically to Montgomery, candidate hopefuls must also pay a ballot fee to the City of Heflin. City council candidates pay a $25 fee and mayoral candidates pay a $50 fee.
“An election can cost the city anywhere between $3,000 to $8,000 for a city our size” said Daulton, and the cost can be much higher for larger cities. The city must cover costs for ballot preparations and is not reimbursed by the state. The 2012 municipal elections will be the second managed by Daulton.
Candidate packets will be available at Heflin City Hall beginning July 3 and registration closes at the end of business on July 17. Municipal elections will be held August 28 at the Heflin Recreation Center.