VOTE ON AUGUST 26th at FAIRFIELD CIVIC CENTER
FAIRFIELD
“Remember the Legacy - Reimagine the Future Represent at the Polls"
Dear Fairfield Voter,
At Faith & Works, through our ReVote Voter Project, we believe that every voice matters and that informed voters build powerful communities. That’s why we created this Fairfield Election Guide: to give you the tools and information you need to make confident choices at the ballot box. Inside, you’ll find key details about where to vote, who’s running for office, what they stand for, and how you can get involved in shaping the future of Fairfield.
This guide is part of a broader vision led by our Founder & Executive Director, Cara McClure, a proud resident of Jefferson County and long-time community organizer Cara believes that when everyday people have access to the right information and are inspired to act, they can transform their communities, block by block, vote by vote.
Fairfield deserves bold leadership and active participation from all of us. Whether you’re learning how your city council works or encouraging your friends and neighbors to vote, this guide was designed to support you. Thank you for taking the time to engage. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant Fairfield, one vote at a time.
In power and community, Faith & Works ReVote Voter Project Team
Guide to Your Election
We believe in building a brighter, more inclusive future for Alabama. We do that by showing up in our communities and getting involved. From the streets to the voting booth, our voices matter, our stories shape the future, and we build power together.
This non-partisan guide can help you make your voice heard at the polls. We provide candidate bios and voting information. We do not endorse anyone; we want you to decide which candidates best represent you and your community.
Important Dates
Last day to register to vote
Last day to vote absentee in person
Deadline to hand deliver an absentee ballot
Election Day
Run-off Election
August 11, 2025
August 21, 2025
August 25, 2025
August 26, 2025
October 7, 2025
YourVotingPlan
Gotomyinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterviewtocheckyourregistration status,yourpollinglocation,andyourdistricts.Thenfilloutthisvoting plan.Planningaheadincreasesthelikelihoodyou’llvote!
Voter Qualifications
Am I registered at my current address and under my current name?
Is my voter registration status “active”?
I will use this photo ID to vote:
Driver License or Non-Driver ID
U.S. Passport
Government Employee ID
Student or Employee ID from a college or university in Alabama (or another state college)
Valid Military ID
Valid Tribal ID
Alabama Photo Voter ID Card (from the Board of Registrars or the Secretary of State)
Absentee Voting
See alabamavotes.gov for criteria and instructions.
Do I want to vote absentee?
I will vote absentee: By mail
At the City Clerk’s office
Voting on Election Day
My polling location for municipal elections: ____________________
To get to the polls I will:
Drive my vehicle
Walk
Use public transit
Get a ride with a friend
Use a rideshare service
Contact a group offering rides
Will you be at least 18 years old on Election Day?
You are not eligible at this time, but you can still make an impact!
See pg 5
Are you a U.S. citizen?
Do you have a previous conviction you believe disqualifies you?
You may still be eligible! See pg. 3.
Register to Vote
If you’re voting for the first time or need to update your information, be sure to register to vote at least 15 days before the election.
Five options for registering:
1.Register online at alabamavotes.gov. You will need a valid Alabama driver license or non-driver ID.
2.Walter. J. Hanna Library - 4615 Gary Ave. Fairfield (205) 783-6007
1.Download, print, and mail a paper form from alabamavotes.gov.
2.Register at your Board of Registrars. See pg. 27 for the address.
3.Request a form be mailed to you, then mail it back. See pg. 27 for how to contact the Secretary of State or the Board of Registrars.
4.Go to the DMV, or another government office that offers benefits. They usually have forms on hand
Once registered, you will receive a postcard in the mail confirming your registration. You can also check your voter registration status at myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview.
The Voting Process
Get in line.
Polling places are open 7 am to 7 pm.
Fill out your ballot.
Black pens provided.
Poll workers will scan it. Sign and accept a receipt.
Turn in your ballot. Feed it into the machine.
Pick up your ballot.
Present your photo ID. Trade the receipt for a ballot.
At the polls, you have the right to:
Cast your vote if you’re in line when the polls close. Stay in line!
Receive a new ballot if you make a mistake on yours.
Vote by provisional ballot if your registration or eligibility is challenged.
Vote free from intimidation. Voter intimidation is illegal. Report any intimidation to poll workers and document and report the incident to local election administrators such as the Municipal Clerk, the County Board of Registrar, and the County District Attorney.
Bring your phone or other materials to help you decide how to vote.
Receive assistance and accommodations for your disability. Bring a friend or an interpreter to help you vote.
Voting FAQs
“Who should I vote for?”
We can’t answer that question for you, but we are happy to offer tips on figuring out who best represents you!
Step 1: Find out who is on your ballot.
Visit myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview to find out your municipal district. Then use this guide or a sample ballot from the City Clerk to find the City Council, and all mayoral candidates will also be on your ballot.
Step 2: Learn about your candidates.
Read the candidate bios in this guide to get started. Ask yourself, “Where do they stand on local issues important to me?” and “How does their background or voting record align with my vision for my city?” You can also dig deeper:
Attend a candidate forum or a townhall.
Visit candidates’ websites or social media pages.
Read Council and Board meeting minutes to check voting records. Look into their campaign financing at fcpa.alabamavotes.gov.
Step 3: Make note of your picks.
You can mark up this guide and take it with you to the polls.
“I am a student. Where do I register?”
Undergrad or grad students can register either with their school address OR at their family’s residence. Consider where you feel most connected and informed or where your vote has the biggest impact.
Where you register will not impact your financial aid package, your parents’ ability to claim you as a dependent on their taxes, or where you can get a driver license or register your car.
“I
have a criminal conviction. Can I vote?”
Not all criminal convictions prevent you from registering to vote in Alabama. For most convictions that disqualify you from voting, there is a process for restoring your voting rights so you can register.
Our partner organization Return My Vote will help you determine your voting eligibility and walk you through the process of registering or restoring your right to vote. Visit returnmyvote.org for more information and to request a free consultation.
How City Government Operates
City of Fairfield website: www.cityoffairfieldal.org
Mayor + City Council: How do they work together?
In city government, the Mayor is the head of the executive branch and the City Council is the legislative branch. They are elected every four years.
Budgets
The Mayor proposes the Operating and Capital Budgets. The City Council can propose certain edits pending the Mayor’s approval. The City Council passes the budgets after a public hearing The Mayor’s Office then administers the budgets and all city finances.
Passing ordinances
The Mayor and the City Council may propose ordinances, the City Council may vote to pass them, and the Mayor may sign, veto, or let them pass. If the Mayor vetoes an ordinance, two-thirds of the council may override the veto and pass it. The Mayor then enforces all laws and ordinances.
Departments and personnel
The City Council establishes administrative departments and divisions, and the Mayor appoints, supervises, and removes the personnel in those roles. City Council members only supervise their own staff. The Mayor also has a staff and establishes departments within the Mayor’s Office. The Mayor and the City Council appoint people to some boards and agencies.
Attend City Council meetings every 1 and 3 Monday at 6:00)pm to hear the Mayor’s report and watch the Council pass ordinances. Council meetings are in person or via conference call dial 425-4366311 Access 833537 (please mute your phone during the call)
Candidates for Mayor
We do not endorse any candidates.
☐ Herman Carnes
Herman Carnes currently serves as Council President. With a focus on fiscal stability, public safety, and resident engagement, this candidate states that he supports hiring an experienced city manager, recruiting an aggressive grant writer, and creating a citizen advisory board to help guide community priorities. Their platform includes building partnerships with institutions like Miles College, improving code enforcement, and promoting citywide clean-up efforts.
☐ Cynthia McDowell
Cynthia Turner McDowell is a longtime Fairfield resident with experience in public service, community engagement, and local leadership. She has been involved in efforts to improve quality of life in the city, including neighborhood beautification, public safety, and small business support. McDowell has expressed a commitment to strengthening municipal operations and encouraging community investment through public-private partnerships.
Candidates for Mayor We do not endorse
any candidates.
☐ Brandon Moss
Brandon Moss is a product of Birmingham City Schools and a graduate of Ramsay High School. He has held leadership roles in JROTC, served on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board, and participated in academic and civic programs such as Future Business Leaders of America and Youth and Government. He brings experience in youth leadership, community engagement, and public service, and is focused on transparency, financial stability, and improving city services.
☐ Cedric Norman
Cedric J. Norman is a lifelong Fairfield resident and a graduate of the University of Montevallo, where he earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Communication Studies, and MBA. Norman has served on the Fairfield City Council since 2019. He has championed updates to the city website, policy reform, and park revitalization. He states that his mayoral campaign prioritizes safer neighborhoods, youth and educational investment, blight removal, and business development.
Candidates for Mayor
We do not endorse any candidates.
☐ James Reasor
James “Bubba” Reasor Jr. is a Fairfield High and Miles College graduate with ties to the community through business ownership and youth sports coaching. He previously served three terms as a Midfield City Council member, Reasor’s priorities for Fairfield include restoring transparency, rebuilding business districts, and strengthening city services and public safety. He believes in accountable leadership and collaboration between city departments, elected officials, and citizens to improve quality of life.
☐ Michael K. Williams
Dr. Michael K. Williams is running on a platform focused on ushering in a New Era for Fairfield. His vision centers on community collaboration, effective communication, and longterm planning to build a stronger, more vibrant city. Dr. Williams believes it’s time for Fairfield’s comeback, and outlines a New Path that includes setting shared goals, improving governmentresident relationships, and working collectively toward sustainable development.
Candidates for City Council President
We do not endorse any candidates.
☐ Phyllis Oden - Jones
Phyllis Oden Jones is a Fairfield native and graduate of Fairfield City Schools. She studied biology at Fisk University and earned a degree in Criminal Justice from UAB. With 30 years of service in the Birmingham Police Department, she advanced through the ranks as officer, supervisor, and detective. She currently serves as City Council President and has been active with neighborhood associations, the Committee to Save Jefferson County, and the Fraternal Order of Police. She has stated that one of her top priorities will be cleaning up and rebuilding neighborhoods.
☐ Ves Marable
Ves Marable holds a B.A. in Psychology and Music from Alabama State University and a J.D. from Birmingham School of Law. His public service includes roles as a Senior Judicial Advisor for the Administrative Office of Courts, Program Director for the Alabama Department of Mental Health, and Probation Investigator for the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. He is also President and CEO of VeLMar Productions. He has stated that If elected, the city budget and redistricting will be 2 of his top priorities.
Candidates for City Council We do
not endorse any candidates.
Candidates for District 1
☐ Barakas Taylor
Barakas Taylor, born and raised in Fairfield, is a graduate of the Fairfield School System and JSU. He has served nearly 26 years with Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service and 1 year with the Alabama Air National Guard’s Airport Rescue Fire Service. Taylor is a two-term City Council Member. He has stated that his ongoing focus includes improving public safety, financial stability, youth programming, and neighborhood revitalization.
☐ Omar Young
Omar Young is a lifelong Fairfield resident and a small business owner, operating My Sweetheart Bakery. He worked at Miles College for 13 years in both administration and athletics, serving as Director of Recruitment and helping secure scholarship opportunities for Fairfield High School students. Omar holds degrees in business and accounting, and participates in efforts to support local schools, economic development, and public safety in the community.
Candidates for City Council We do not endorse any candidates.
Candidates for District 1
☐ Fredrick Scott
Fredrick D. Scott is a longtime Fairfield resident with experience in local government, having previously served eight years on the City Council. He has worked as a pastor and funeral director. Scott has expressed interest in revitalizing Fairfield by addressing neighborhood upkeep and exploring ways to strengthen public safety, including potential partnerships with local institutions like Miles College
Candidates for District 2
☐ Carlton Lewis
Carlton Lewis is a Fairfield resident and I.T. field technician with a background in public service, military service, and neighborhood leadership. A former Alabama Air National Guard metals technician (2015–2019), Lewis currently serves as a deacon at Urban Hope Community Church and previously led District 2’s Neighborhood Association. His campaign focuses on revitalizing neighborhoods, improving public safety, and modernizing city services through technology.
☐ Susan Jo Rembert Parks
Susan Joe Rembert-Parks is the current City Council representative for District 2 in Fairfield. Councilor Parks earned a bachelor’s degree in Mental Health Studies from Alabama A&M University. She currently chairs the Health, Education, Welfare, and Human Resources Committee and also serves on the Public Safety and Planning & Zoning Committees. She has stated that she is committed to improving quality of life for Fairfield residents and promoting civic engagement.
Candidates for District 2
☐ Wanda Shelby
Wanda Shelby is a longtime Fairfield resident, mother, and community advocate. She is currently pursuing a degree in Political Science at Miles College, where she is recognized as a Presidential Scholar. Shelby works as a cashier at Piggly Wiggly in Midfield and has a personal history of caregiving for family members. Her civic priorities include addressing long-term financial challenges facing the city, reducing blight, and improving public health and safety.
Candidates for District 3
☐ Jennifer Craig
Jenny Craig is a small business owner with experience in both retail and the restaurant industry. She has been active in the Fairfield community since 2011 and currently serves as President of the District 3 Neighborhood Association. She has helped organize community cleanups, supported school charity events, she also hosts an annual crawfish boil at Fairfield City Park. She has stated that her campaign focuses on attracting new businesses, removing blight, revitalizing neighborhoods, and improving public safety.
☐ Carla Flakes
Carla Flakes is a retired Alabama-certified educator and current President of the Fairfield Library Board. She holds an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Montevallo and has years of experience in K–12 education, instructional leadership, classroom management, literacy, and data analysis. Flakes has also worked for over 18 years in grant development..She states that she believes financial stability and public safety are among Fairfield’s most urgent concerns.
Candidates for District 4
☐ Robert Averhart
Robert Averhart III is a public finance professional with experience in the banking sector and local government. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Miles College and an MBA with a concentration in Accounting from the University of Phoenix. A former Fairfield City Councilor for District 6, he served as Chair of Planning and Zoning and on the Finance Committee. Averhart identifies city debt, property values, and community well-being as key issues..
☐ Juanita Kirksey
Juanita Kirksey is a longtime Fairfield resident, small business owner of over 20 years. She holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, and an Associate’s in Psychology. Kirksey is involved in several civic organizations, including Kiwanis Birmingham East, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and the Salvation Army Advisory Board. She identifies public safety, code enforcement, youth programs, and infrastructure repair as key priorities.
Candidates for District 5
☐ Kyadraine Powell
Kyadrian Lucy-Powell holds a degree in Business Management from Miles College and brings over 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community development. She has organized programs across several regions, served on local and national boards, and supported youth and senior initiatives. Her work includes leadership roles with the Cancer Awareness Network and Executive Women International, and she helped launch a senior-focused telehealth program aimed at expanding access to care.
☐ Alesia Price
Alesia S. Price is a longtime Fairfield resident with over 40 years in the community. She holds degrees in Criminal Justice and General Studies with concentrations in Police Administration and Social Science from Jefferson State and Samford University. Price is a retired officer of the Birmingham Police Department and Birmingham Water Works. Price serves as a charter member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Central Alabama Chapter. She states her platform emphasizes public safety, code enforcement, and community revitalization.
Candidates for District 5
☐ Courtney Turner
Courtney Turner is a candidate for Fairfield City Council District 5 with a focus on economic growth, public safety, and strengthening city services. Turner has identified law enforcement, fire/EMS, and sanitation as critical public services. Turner has stated that if elected, he plans to support grantseeking efforts, ensure proper fee collection, and advise city leadership on strategies to improve service delivery and community well-being.
☐ Wanda Woldridge
Apostle Wanda Woldridge is a resident of Fairfield for 17 years. She is a community advocate and has worked on issues around public safety, youth engagement, and support for families affected by gun violence. She has organized rallies, vigils, and provided counseling for mothers who have lost children to violence. Apostle Woldridge has helped host funerals and community events, and is involved in supporting mental health awareness and neighborhood revitalization efforts.
Candidates for District 6
Circuit Court Judge (10th Judicial Circuit)
☐ Dedrick Gardner
Circuit Court is the highest court in the county. The circuit courts are where jury trials take place. In most Alabama counties, the circuit courts hear both civil and criminal cases. In Jefferson County there is a civil division and a criminal division. The jurisdiction and powers of the circuit court are set forth by statute.
Dedrick Gardner is a lifelong Fairfield resident and graduate of Fairfield High School who also attended Lawson State Community College. He is a 15-year veteran of Warrior Met Coal and serves as an Executive Board Member of UMWA Local 2397. Gardner is president of the Glen Oaks Neighborhood Association and active in his church’s discipleship ministry. His priorities include neighborhood unity, economic revitalization, public safety, and empowering community voices.
☐ Charles Willis
Dr. Charles “Chuck” Willis is a lifelong resident of Fairfield and has lived in the Glen Oaks neighborhood for over 30 years. He has worked in public education for 35 years. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Omega Bridge Builders Foundation and has been involved in the Glen Oaks. He stated that if elected, his top priorities will be enhancing public safety, clean and safe neighborhoods, improving infrastructure, and investing in education and workforce development.
AlabamaState Capitol Building - Suite S-105 600 Dexter Avenue Montgomery, AL 36130 334-242-7200
Jefferson County 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N Birmingham, Alabama 36203 205-326-5550 Board
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