Election Guide
Florence, Alabama Municipal Election August 26, 2025
Your 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
September 23, 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
To get to the polls I will:
Drive my vehicle
Walk
Use public transit
Get a ride with a friend
Use a rideshare service
My polling location for municipal elections: ____________________ Iwillvote: Inthemorning Atlunchtime Intheafternoon Intheevening Pollsareopenfrom7amto7pm.
Contact a group offering rides
Voter Eligibility
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 eligible to vote!
Do you have a previous conviction you believe disqualifies you? Are you a U.S. citizen?
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.Download, print, and mail a paper form from alabamavotes.gov.
3.Register at your Board of Registrars. See pg. 27 for the address.
4.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.
5.Go to the public library, 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.
Present your photo ID. Trade the receipt for a ballot.
Pick up your ballot.
Turn in your ballot. Feed it into the machine.
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 Board of Education candidates for your district. 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.
For information about voter rights restoration due to a disqualifying felony, please visit paroles.alabama.gov or contact the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles at (334) 242-8700.
“I
am trans. How do I avoid issues while voting?”
Know that you have rights. If the gender marker on your ID does not match your presentation and/or identity, poll workers are NOT allowed to deny you a ballot OR ask you questions about your trans identity or medical history.
Here are some tips to help voting go more smoothly:
Use your government name. Register to vote using the legal name and gender marker on your state-issued ID
Keep things up-to-date. Update your registration if you change your legal name, gender marker, or address.
Take your ID(s). Only one form of ID is required to vote on Election Day, but you may want to bring any additional IDs, a recent utility bill, and/or your voter registration card to help prove your identity in the event of a dispute. See pg. 5 for eligible IDs. You can bring a buddy with you to vote. You are allowed to bring along a friend, whether they vote in the same location or not, to be your moral support. While you’re at it, your group of friends could organize to accompany each other to your different polling places.
If you run into any issues at the polls, call the National Trans Voter Protection hotline at 239–946–2718.
“What disability accommodations may I receive?”
Unless otherwise declared by a judge, people with mental and physical disabilities have the right to vote in an accessible way. You also have the right to vote for whom or for what you choose.
Possible accommodations for different disabilities include: Every polling site offers accessible voting machines. These machines must provide the same chance for meaningful voting participation, including privacy and independence. Disabled voters and voters over the age of 70 may move to the front of the voting line if they notify a poll worker. People with disabilities have the right to receive voting assistance from a person of their choice or from a poll worker. Election officials must provide you access to any voting booth, ballot, form, machine, or equipment that would help you vote. They must be willing to adapt if you can’t use the equipment provided.
For more, visit adap.ua.edu or reach out to the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program’s Voting Rights Advocate at 205-348-0123.
How City Government Operates
Below we explain the offices that will appear on your ballot: Mayor, City Council, and Board of Education. For the candidate bios section, we focus on candidates for Mayor and District 1's City Council seat.
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.
HowtoGetInvolvedwithLocalGovernment:
TheFlorenceCityCouncilmeetseveryfirst&thirdTuesdayof themonthintheCityAuditoriumlocatedat109SouthPine Street,35630.
ParticipateinyourNeighborhoodAssociation.
BoardofEducation
The Florence Board of Education provides general supervision and administration of Florence’s K–12 schools and promotes the interests of Florence City Schools and the children it serves.
The Board plays a role in establishing school policies and budgets, managing school finances, hiring employees, and approving the Superintendent’s curriculum plan. The Board consists of six members who serve four-year terms and are elected by district. The Superintendent serves as Secretary to the Board.
HowtoGetInvolvedwiththeSchoolSystem:
• The Florence City Schools Board of Education conducts a regular public meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at 541 Riverview Drive, Florence, Alabama. Each meeting begins at 5:00PM
• Attend PTA meetings at your child’s school. You can form a group if one does not exist.
We work to empower our communities to rise up and get involved. From the streets to the voting booth; where our voices matter, where our stories shape the future, and where we build power together. Let’s shake things up and make sure Alabama knows we’re here to stay!
Visit our website to take action in one of these ways: Volunteer: Sign up to support events and initiatives near you. Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network and invite others to join.
Stay Connected: Follow us on social media for updates, event announcements, and ways to take action.
Show Up: Attend our non-partisan virtual and/or in person Town Hall Events. More info here: Projectsaysomething.org
Please Note
To ensure complete accuracy and objectivity in this guide, our team invited all candidates to fill out a survey. We pulled biographical details and campaign priorities directly from survey results, and we did thorough research to fill informational gaps.
With or without direct participation from any candidate, our team is committed to presenting every single candidate fairly, based on the available facts and information.
Candidates for Mayor
We do not endorse any candidates.
☐ Christian “CJ” McCoy
Christian ‘CJ’ McCoy is a lifelong Florence resident and current mental health advocate and founder of Mastermind Foundations. He is a certified life coach, a national public speaker, and the author of three books. McCoy states that his campaign is rooted in unity and bringing together those in recovery, and he focuses specifically on assisting students fighting to stay in school, and working families striving to survive.
Top Priorities:
McCoy’s Plan 256, a job creation initiative via local training and increases in small business resources. Increase accessible public transportation, healthcare access, and opportunity for all.
☐ Ron Tyler
Ron Tyler is a lifelong Florence resident, who has served the city for nearly 30 years as a police officer, including 12 years as Chief of Police. Tyler holds a masters and undergraduate degree from the University of North Alabama and details on his website that he has led 150 employees and managed over $120 million in budgets over the course of his career. Tyler’s campaign reiterates his passion for dynamic city governance
Top Priorities:
Public safety, quality education that prepares students for the workforce, affordable housing, and access to good jobs. Tyler states he is committed to using tax dollars responsibly and will implement a plan to improve roads and infrastructure across the city.
☐ Steve Holt
Steve Holt, former Mayor of Florence, held office from 2016 to 2020. He served in the Chamber of Commerce for 22 years in economic and community development. Holt is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Public Administration; and he is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and Certified Chamber Executive (CCE). His campaign has emphasized government transparency, job security, and renewed city leadership
Top Priorities:
Good paying jobs, increased investment in building and improving roads, developing infrastructure for senior citizens, and general economic development
☐
Bill Griffin
Holding degrees from Georgia, UAB, UNA, and UA, Bill Griffin spent most of his career in education: starting as a kindergarten teacher and finishing as a middle school principal Since retirement Bill has authored several books, worked as a local realtor, and served for eight years on the Florence City School Board In 2020, he was elected to the Florence City Council (District 3) Griffin states his campaign has focused on using leadership strategies gleaned from his time in education to inspire local policy change.
Top Priorities:
Job safety, communication with the public, increased investment in infrastructure, and community relationships.
☐
Ricky Pickett
Holding Bachelor and Master's degrees in engineering, Ricky recently retired from NASA He feels his experience working government contracts and leading major projects will prepare him for this responsibility, despite his lack of political experience His campaign is structured to represent “the everyday working person in Florence, Alabama.” A current Florence resident, Pickett says he became aware of the discontent with current local politics and he is running as a full transparency candidate.
Top Priorities:
To represent and provide opportunities for the lower and middle income people of Florence, and help to address the political discontent.
☐ Anthony Britnell
Anthony Britnell, a Florence native since the age of six years old, has been a member of the workforce since graduating from Florence High School in 2012 Britnell has worked full time as a dispatcher for the Florence Electricity Department for about ten years, and while doing that, he completed two years of college Britnell states he has no desire to be a career politician, instead feeling called by the urgency of the moment to make immediate change
Top Priorities:
Relying on his working class background to address the needs of working people, and lowering the cost of living in the Florence area.
☐ Billy Ray Simpson
Pastor Billy Ray Simpson is the founder of First Love Ministries, which works with inmates at the Lauderdale County Detention Center. Simpson studied at the University of North Alabama and is a Burrell Slater Athletic Hall of Fame Committee Member. Simpson has also worked as a minister at the Lauderdale County Courthouse. In 2020, Simpson ran for the District 2 seat. He is a lifelong resident of West Florence.
Top Priorities:
To address the institutional racism in Florence City government and school systems
Candidates for City Council (District 1)
We do not endorse any candidates.
☐Kaytrina Simmons
Current City Council President Kaytrina Simmons is a graduate of Central High School, and an attendee of Faulkner University and the University of North Alabama. Simmons graduated from the Alabama League of Municipalities Leadership Institute’s Basic and Advanced Certified Municipal Official programs. Simmons currently serves with multiple non-profits and regularly hosts community events in District 1 and beyond.
Top Priorities:
Equity and transparency in spending, infrastructure and local business investment, crime reduction, food and housing insecurity, and youth and senior citizen development.
☐ Stephanie Harvey
Stephanie Harvey is a graduate of Bradshaw High School, who also studied at Shelton State and earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Virginia College. Currently employed as a professional bus driver with Ecco Ride, she also coaches AAU girls’ basketball. Though new to politics, Harvey states that she brings a passion for service and a strong commitment to positive change.
Top Priorities:
Facilitating economic growth opportunities for District 1 and safety for the community, strengthening mental health resources and veteran programs, and animal shelter support.
☐ Dave M. Smith
Dave Smith is a lifelong Florence native, who, after serving in the Navy, became the first African American electrician in Florence’s history. Dave Smith ran his first campaign for the Florence City Council (District 1) over two decades ago and has since served as a councilman and a school board member. Smith was also the chair of the Lauderdale County Democratic Executive Committee.
Top Priorities:
To secure more equitable social and economic opportunities for the people of District 1.
About Project Say Something
Project Say Something (PSS) is a grassroots, Black woman-led racial justice organization working to confront anti-Black racism and patriarchal violence in the Deep South. Project Say Something envisions a society in which every individual has access to the services and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health. Our flagship programming focuses on the health, material needs, and social conditions of Black people in Alabama, who have historically been impacted by racial and economic injustice and exclusion. Through our grassroots activism and programming, our community members grow into allies and change agents who play a critical role in building a more just, equitable community.
Editor:LeeMurkey
Design:SamanthaWilliams AssistantEditors:KaylaSloan
Specialthankstothevolunteerstrategists,researchers, writers,andreviewersthathavecontributedtothisguide.
Thank you also to the nonprofits, businesses, faith groups, libraries, and individuals who helped distribute!
For printed guides for your community, email leemurkey@projectsaysomething org
Helpful contacts:
Secretary of State
Alabama
State Capitol Building - Suite S-105 600 Dexter Avenue Montgomery, AL 36130
334-242-7200
Board of Registrars
Lauderdale County 200 South Court Street Florence, Alabama 35630
Florence City Clerk’s Office
Location 110 W. College St., Suite 116 Florence, AL 35630
Alabama Election Protection Network Mailing Address PO BOX 98, Florence, AL 35631
1-844-458-6837
Phone 256-760-6681
National Election Protection Hotlines
English: 1-866-687-8683 (The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law)
Spanish: 1-888-839-8682 (NALEO Educational Fund)
Arabic: 1-844-925-5287 (Yalla Vote)
Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Urdu, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, or Vietnamese: 1-888-274-8683 (APIAVote and AAJC)
