The City of Hartselle along with Priceville, Somerville, Falkville and Eva began qualifying for local elections on Tues., July 3.

Hartselle City Clerk/Controller Rita Lee said at least six candidates had already made appointments with her on Tuesday to qualify for the election. While election talk has been relatively quiet as of last week, Lee expects that to pick up.

“I’m sure we’ll see a lot more interest as the qualifying deadline approaches,” Lee said.

This is the first election for Hartselle’s newly approved elected school board. Lee said prospective board members will have to declare which of the five board places that they wish to seek. Four of the five current board members, Jennifer Sittason, Monty Vest, Dr. James Joy and Randy Sparkman have already announced that they will be seeking election.

Bruyne Rollins has yet to announce his intentions. Ronnie Abercrombie and Venita Jones have also expressed interest in running for the board of education.

Current Councilman Don Hall, Johnnie Howell and Lee Hartsell are expected to qualify for the mayor’s race. Current Mayor Dwight Tankersley has already announced that he will not seek a third term.

Councilman Bill Smelser has previously announced that he will run again. Council President Kenny Thompson and Councilman Tom Chappell have not publicly announced their intentions to seek re-election. Jason Armstrong is the only other person announcing his candidacy for a council position.

In Falkville, Mayor Jimmie Walker has already announced that he will not seek another term.

Priceville Mayor Melvin Duran plans to seek re-election. Current Councilman Sam Heflin will challenge Duran for that position.

Qualifying will continue through July 17.