Hale County voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, May 19, to cast ballots in the Alabama statewide primary election, with contested races for county commission, sheriff, and Democratic executive committee seats on the ballot.
The deadline to register to vote in the primary is Monday, May 4. Alabama does not offer same-day registration, so residents who are not registered or who need to update their information must do so before that date. Voters can check their registration status or register online through the Alabama Secretary of State’s website or by contacting the Hale County Board of Registrars.
Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, and a valid photo ID is required to vote.
Absentee voting is already underway. Voters who qualify must submit their application to the Hale County Absentee Election Manager by mail no later than Monday, May 12, or in person no later than Thursday, May 14. Completed absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by noon on May 19, while ballots returned in person must be received by close of business Monday, May 18. For more information, voters can contact the Hale County Circuit Clerk’s office.
Alabama is an open primary state, meaning registered voters may choose to vote in either party’s primary. However, voters who participate in a party’s primary must vote in that same party’s runoff if one is held.
Democratic Primary Races
On the Democratic ballot, Sheriff Michael Hamilton is seeking re-election, along with Coroner Eric A. Wiggins and Revenue Commissioner Andretta Skipper, who are also running to retain their positions.
Three Hale County Commission seats will appear on the ballot:
- District 1: Jonathan Rossell (Democratic nomination)
- District 4: Charles Patrick vs. Patti Rhodes
The Hale County Board of Education District 1 seat is also on the ballot, with Kaleda Williams-Zanders qualifying on the Democratic side.
Democratic voters will also elect members of the Hale County Democratic Executive Committee, with several contested races:
- District 1 (Male): Robert L. Alston, Eddie Blocker, Abraham Patrick
- District 2 (Male): Norman Hunter, Willie J. Hudson
- District 3 (Female): Lorrie P. Cook, Gay Nell Singleton
- District 4 (Female): Jacqueline Hoskins, Yolanda Ash-Watkins
Republican Primary Races
On the Republican ballot, four candidates have qualified:
- Commission District 1: Incumbent Don Wallace (seeking re-election)
- Commission District 4: Beatrice Nichols
- Board of Education District 1: Brooke Seale McCrory
- Sheriff: Kevin McDaniel
Winners in both parties will advance to the November 3 general election. If no candidate in a contested race receives a majority on May 19, the top two vote-getters will meet in a runoff on June 16.
Sample ballots, precinct information, and additional voting details are available from the Hale County Probate Office and online at sos.alabama.gov.
