Year in Preview: Election year

Residents who want to get more involved in city government should begin preparing their campaigns. Elections will be held for all 11 council seats and the mayor’s office on Aug. 23, 2016, according to an election calendar provided by the Alabama League of Municipalities.

Each ward gets two representatives on the council. A ward map can be found on the city website, homewoodal.net.

Feb. 23 is the last day for the City Council to change salaries for the council members elected in office, as well as the last day to decide if council members will be elected by district rather than at-large. May 23 is the last day the city can change its district lines or voting locations.

Anyone who wishes to run for mayor or city council must establish residence in the city by May 25, 2016. Mayor Scott McBrayer will give formal notice of the election on July 5. At that point, candidates can obtain qualifying forms from the city clerk. Candidates must file with the Jefferson County probate judge within five days of qualifying to run.

July 19 is the last day for candidates to complete the qualifying forms.

For residents who aren’t running but still want to vote, Aug. 10 is the last day to register to vote in the municipal election, and absentee voters must apply for a ballot by Aug. 18.

If a winner cannot be determined for a certain seat, the city will hold a later run-off election. For full rules about candidacy in municipal elections, contact City Clerk Linda Cook, the Jefferson County Probate Court or Alabama’s secretary of state.

Another major seat in city government will be filled in 2016, though by appointment rather than election. Police Chief Jim Roberson retired on Dec. 31, 2015, and the city is beginning the process to hire a new chief. A timeline has not been set out, but Roberson previously said that Deputy Chief Bob Copus will act as interim chief.