Primary Election

When voters head to the polls, the race for sheriff is often one of the most closely watched local contests. In Alabama, the sheriff is an elected position, chosen by voters in each county to serve a four-year term. Sheriffs may seek re-election and serve multiple terms, and there are no term limits for the office under state law. Sheriff elections follow the same general structure as other partisan county offices. Candidates typically qualify through a political party and compete first in that party’s primary election.

When election season rolls around, national races often grab the most attention. However, in many communities, local offices can have a more direct impact on daily life than higher-profile contests. Positions like county commissioners, school board members, revenue commissioners and superintendents of education help shape decisions that affect roads, schools, taxes, public safety and other essential services.

As election season approaches, many voters may hear about primary elections and wonder exactly what they are. A primary election is essentially the first round of voting that allows political parties to choose which candidate will represent them in the general election later in the year.

Qualifying is underway for the 2026 primary elections, which will be held on Tuesday, May 19. The Times-Record is offering candidates the option to run candidate profiles through Wednesday, March 25. The TimesRecord has set guidelines for free political profiles to be published in its print edition, which is also reproduced in a digital edition. Free profiles will be published on a first-come, first-serve basis. Candidates can start running their profiles on Friday Jan. 30, 2026.