By Staff
Leada DeVaney, Hartselle Enquirer
Morgan County voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose party nominees for county commission.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on June 1, just one day after the Memorial Day holiday. In spite of what will be for most a long weekend, the slate of contested races could bring out the voters. The most attention is on who will be the next county commission chairman.
In that race, Democrats Jeff Clark, who currently represents District One on the commission, and Mike Flowers are seeking the post being vacated by Larry Bennich. Bennich announced earlier this year he would not seek reelection. In the Republican primary, James Bowling, John Mitchell and current District Two Commissioner John Glasscock are seeking the nomination.
The chairman's post is a six-year term, paying some $82,417 per year.
In the race for District Three, Morgan County School Board member Kevin Murphy faces David Wood. The winner of that race will face current Commissioner Don Stisher in November.
The District Four race promises to be one of the more closely watched races, with incumbent Commissioner Stacy George facing two GOP challengers – Terry Brown and Tom Kennemer. George was the first Republican elected to the county commission in Morgan County and has often found himself at odds with fellow members.
The winner of the District Four race will face Democrat Ricky Borden in the November general election.
Because county commission members are selected at large, all voters will cast a ballot in each race. County Commission candidates are required to live in the district they represent, but are chosen by the entire county.
FAQ on election regulations
Alabama's Attorney General and the Secretary of State's Office offer toll-free hotlines for those who wish to report any irregularities they experience on voting day.
The Attorney General's number is 1-800-831-8814. The Secretary of State's number is 1-800-274- VOTE (8683.)
The AG's office handles numerous questions each election time as to what is or isn't allowed at the polls. Here are the answers to the more frequently asked questions:
No. They cannot suggest how people should vote or campaign in any way. They cannot wear any button, ribbon or other article bearing the candidate's
name.
Yes. A citizen who is at the polls to vote or assist someone in voting can wear a button, ribbon, or other such article.
In addition to poll watchers, only voters, people who are assisting voters, election officials, sheriffs and deputies are allowed inside the polling place.
They must stand outside, at least 30 feet away from the door of the polling
place.
Anyone can help a voter who wants assistance, except that voter's employer or an agent of the employer, or an officer or agent of the voter's union.
The voter does not have to give any reason for requesting assistance, nor to take any oath. The voter names the person to assist, and both must sign the poll list.
No. General news coverage of candidates and public officials voting and of crowds at the polling place is allowed, but the U.S. Department of Justice has expressed a concern that other videotaping may intimidate voters and it is not allowed.
Who is responsible for overseeing elections?
The sheriff, probate judge, and circuit court clerk are the officials responsible for conducting and supervising the elections process in each county.
Voters should also remember that identification, such as a driver's license, is now required when casting your ballot.