Election Guide
Northport, Alabama Municipal Election August 26, 2025
Dear Reader
Return My Vote is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the restoration of voting rights in the state of Alabama. We work with people with felony convictions across the state to return their rights and protect our democratic values. Our work encourages voter participation and ensures the most fundamental American value—democracy–remains a hallmark of our republic. To find out more about our organization, please visit returnmyvote.org. Consider volunteering with us. Help us protect our democratic institutions.
With our mission in mind, we offer you the Election Guide researched, written, and funded in partnership with Alabama Forward This nonpartisan guide contains candidate biographies as well as information about making a voting plan, polling locations, and absentee voting. We spoke to you, the voters, and then asked candidates to respond to the priority issues you identified. Their full, unedited responses to our candidate surveys can be found at returnmyvote.org. We hope this guide helps you make an informed decision this August and encourages you to participate in our democracy.
August 11,
YourVotingPlan
Planningaheadincreasesthelikelihoodyou’llvote!Visit myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterviewtocheckyourregistrationstatus, pollinglocation,andcouncildistrict.Thenfilloutthisvotingplan.
VoterQualifications
AmIregisteredatmycurrentaddressandundermycurrentname?
Ismyvoterregistrationstatus“active”?
*If“no”contacttheTuscaloosaCountyRegistrar,(205)464-8415
I will use this photo ID to vote:
ValidDriver License or NonDriver ID
U.S. Passport
Government Employee ID
Student or Employee ID from a college or university in Alabama
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
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
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
The deadline to register or make changes to your existing registration is August 11 . Whether this is your first time voting or you need to update your registration, you can:
th
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.
5
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 including this guide 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?”
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 Administrator-Clerk to find the City Council and Mayoral candidates for your district.
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.
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.
“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. For more resources and support for trans people, reach out to TAKE Birmingham at takebhm.org or 205–848–5849.
“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.
Get Involved with Return My Vote!
Return My Vote works with people with felony convictions to restore their right to vote. Many felony convictions do not disqualify an individual from voting, and many more are not permanent. We offer free virtual consultations to individuals who believe they have been disqualified from voting.
On our website, returnmyvote.org, you can:
Request a free consultation to determine your eligibility to vote. Look into what research we’ve been doing.
Volunteer with us at tabling events and help with our research!
Follow us on social media!
Read About out our success stories!
Get Involved with Alabama Forward!
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!
Scan the QR code on the cover 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: Come to the Power on the Line Weekend on August 1–2 in Birmingham. Visit powerontheline.org.
How City Government Operates
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.
AttendCityCouncilmeetingsat5:30pmonthefirstandthird MondayofeverymonthtoheartheMayor’sreportandwatch theCouncilpassordinances.Councilandcommitteemeetings arelivestreamedontheCityCouncilFacebookpage. ReachouttoCityCouncilmembersandthemayor. ApplyforemploymentopportunitiesonNorthport’swebsite.
Candidates for Mayor
We do not endorse any candidates. Incumbents are marked with an asterisk(*) Full survey responses can be found at Returnmyvote.org
☐ Johnny “Dale” Phillips
Johnny “Dale” Phillips is from Northport. He graduated from Northside High School in 1984 and, since then, has served with the University of Alabama Police Department and the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, before retiring as Commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit. Phillips ran for mayor in 2020, and has served as the chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission. He currently works part-time with the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority. Phillips believes the most important qualities for a mayor are leadership and experience and believes the most important issue facing Northport is a lack of transparency and trust between government and people. Phillips' platform includes strengthening Northport’s reputation, encouraging responsible growth, fiscal responsibility, and listening to and respecting citizens’ voices Phillips says that Northport needs a clear, common sense, and transparent vision for the future. He says he is against the University beach development and that the project should have enjoyed greater transparency and acquired greater public support and, if elected, plans to revisit the project for a complete examination.
☐ Roland M. Lewis
Roland M. Lewis is originally from St. Louis and has received two undergraduate degrees in Music and Computer Science from Stillman college and an MS in Continuing Education in Counseling and Psychology from the University of West Alabama Lewis currently serves the District Director and Scoutreach Director for the Black Warrior Council of Scouting America. He also served on the Northport Planning and Zoning commission. Lewis believes integrity is the most important quality for a mayor, and his platform focuses on “Community-Centered Leadership.” This includes a emphasis on quality education, accessible healthcare, modern infrastructure, economic development, and affordable housing. Lewis believes that the greatest challenge facing Northport today is responsible growth while ensuring no community is left behind. His campaign focuses on ensuring community input on future development and strategic development and growth. If elected, Lewis plans on holding “State of the City” addresses and regular district specific town halls and on creating citizen advisory boards.
☐ David R. Crawford
David R. Crawford is from Gordo, Alabama and has a BA from Stillman college. Crawford has worked in business management and sales with his company, Maxx Mailing. Crawford believes that the most important characteristics for a mayor are to be business and community minded as well as to be transparent with the community. He believes the greatest challenge facing Northport today is a lack of communication between residents and elected officials and believes that community leaders have a responsibility to facilitate open discussion and listen to community feedback. Crawford’s platform involves bringing his business and sales experiences to the mayorship to make more informed decisions regarding new and existing businesses. In regards to the University Beach development, Crawford believes, if elected, that his opinion as mayor does not matter nearly as much as the community’s. Crawford believes that city government should be open and honest and allow citizens to participate in decisions regarding development, and, if elected, plans to hold regular public meetings to encourage open discussion, debate, and feedback.
☐ Jason Barksdale
Jason Barksdale is from Tuscaloosa and is currently the owner of NorthRiver Lawn Service LLC.. Barksdale went to Shelton State Community College before working at Phifer Wire. Barksdale believes that the most important qualities for a mayor are the ability to listen to the community and transparency. He believes that the greatest challenge facing Northport today is managing responsible growth without diminishing quality of life. Barksdale’s platform includes supporting first responders, small businesses, and blue collar workers. Barksdale believes in investing in responsible growth. If elected, he plans to regularly meet and work together with business owners, residents, and council members to develop realistic, budgetconscious growth plans. Barksdale believes that it is the mayor’s job to be a bridge that connects all five districts, and believes that transparency begins with open and honest communication from leadership Barksdale promises that, if elected, he will strive to be approachable and accessible to ensure residents feel heard.
Candidates for City Council
We do not endorse any candidates. Incumbents are marked with an asterisk(*) Full survey responses can be found at Returnmyvote.org
District 1
POLLING PLACE: NORTHPORT CITY HALL
☐ Turnley Smith
Turnley Smith is from Florence, AL, and graduated high school in Middle Tennessee, but he has lived in Northport since 2006. He received his Associate of Science degree in General Studies from Columbia State Community College and his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design, BArch of Interior Architecture, and BArch of Architecture from Auburn University. Smith is a small business owner who has owned and operated Design/Build (re)design, LLC, since 2008. Smith also serves as the Deputy Director of Building and Inspections for the City of Tuscaloosa He is endorsed by the Northport Political Action Committee (NPAC). Smith’s platform includes encouraging smart, responsible growth that welcomes new businesses and prioritizes existing business and citizens; supporting first responders with competitive training and compensation; and implementing the AIA’s 10 principles for Livable Communities. Smith states that he wants Northport to operate as a city for the people, not just the council.
☐ Christy Bobo*
Christy Bobo is from Northport and currently serves as the City Council President. She has served on the City Council since 2020. A graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School, Bobo graduated from University of Alabama in 2020 with a BA in English. Prior to serving on the City Council, Bobo had a 20+-year career in public relations, marketing and community engagement. As a founding member of Nick’s Kids Foundation and Vice President of Phi Mu Alpha Zeta Alumnae, Bobo says she is committed to civic engagement and service. Bobo’s Northport initiatives have included developing a capital improvements master plan, improving the city’s credit/bond rating, strengthening Northport’s finances generally, and preserving the historic district. Bobo believes the most important quality for a city councilperson is fiscal stewardship. Bobo says city staff has ensured information regarding projects is released as it becomes public record.
District 2
POLLING PLACE: NEW ZION MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
☐ Zach Stone
Zach Stone is from Moundville, AL, and is a graduate of Hale County High School. He served in the U.S. Army for three years. Since August 2004, Stone has been employed by BF Goodrich. Stone states he believes in integrity, transparency, and a government by and for the people of Northport. If elected, Stone plans to conduct recurring town hall meetings, publish email newsletters and social media updates, establish a dedicated phone line for constituents, and support initiatives to ensure accountability. Stone’s platform includes initiatives to invest in smart infrastructure, expand public services like transportation, preserve the character of Northport’s neighborhoods, and support local arts and culture. He strongly opposes the University Beach development project and believes that Northport residents should have had a vote for a project of that magnitude. Stone believes that any future Northport projects of the size of the University Beach development must first be voted on by Northport residents.
☐ Woodrow Washington III*
Woodrow Washington III is the incumbent council person for District 2. He also sits as Council Pro Tempore. Washington and his brother own Archibald’s BBQ and Archibald and Woodrow’s BBQ. He is a graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Stillman College Washington is a retired Fire Captain from the Tuscaloosa Fire Service and a retired MSgt from the United Air Force Reserve. He also owns New Life CRF which is a State Contractor for the Alabama Department of Intellectual Disability. He is a member of the Alpha Tau Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Tuscaloosa, AL and a member of Beulah Baptist Church in Northport. Washington spearheaded the renovation of the Robert Hasson Community Center and tutors children in K-12 in partnership with the University of Alabama and Academics in Motion. Washington did not respond to the Return My Vote Candidate Survey
☐ Orlando Edwards
Orlando Edwards is from Northport. He studied at Alabama State University and went to Tuscaloosa County High School. Our researchers were unable to learn more about this candidate by searching publicly available information. He did not respond to our Candidate Survey.
District 3
POLLING PLACE: DAYSTAR FAMILY CHURCH
☐ Karl D. Wiggins*
Karl D. Wiggins is the appointed incumbent councilperson for District 3. From Tuscaloosa, Wiggins received his BA in Political Science from the University of Alabama and has worked in Information Technology for more than 30 years. Wiggins believes that the most important quality for a city councilperson is the ability to make the right choice instead of the popilar one. He believes that the greatest issue facing Northport today is underinvestment in infrastructure to support financial growth Wiggins’ platform includes investing in first responders and ensuring they have the equipment, training, and funding they need; investing in infrastructure like road repaving and sewer development; and promoting economic, housing, and retail growth throughout Northport. Wiggins believes that Northport has a number of beneficial growth opportunities and wants to pursue public-private partnerships to bring economic growth and jobs to the city. Wiggins stated that attracting major investment into Northport requires confidentiality, but vows to discuss any issue and encourages citizens to reach out.
☐ Jaime Conger
Jaime Conger is from Montgomery, Alabama and holds undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Economics from Furman as well as a J.D. from Tulane. Conger is a practicing attorney at Smith & Stags LLP in Tuscaloosa. She serves as the vice president of the Tuscaloosa County Bar Association and sits on the Tuscaloosa County Public Defender Commission, Tuscaloosa Arts Council, and the Tuscaloosa Public Library Foundation. Conger believes the most important quality for a city councilperson is transparency. She believes the greatest challenge facing Northport today is ensuring the city’s infrastructure can support responsible growth. Conger’s platform includes supporting local business and residents, investing in infrastructure, and listening to citizens She believes that the city council should ensure citizens are informed and provide citizens with a greater voice when it comes to development and growth. If elected, Conger plans to allow residents of District 3 to enroll in updates that provide agendas, minutes, and contact forms to provide greater transparency and ease of communication.
District 4
POLLING PLACE: NORTHPORT FIRE & RESCUE STATION 2
☐ Jamie Dykes*
Jamie Dykes is from Tuscaloosa, and is currently the incumbent councilperson for District 4. She has a BA and an MA in education from the University of Alabama. Dykes believes the most important quality for a city councilperson is integrity She believes the greatest challenge facing Northport today is ensuring that the people of Northport feel heard and represented. Dykes’ platform includes investing into neglected infrastructure; encouraging smart, balanced growth; and promoting transparency. Dykes has major concerns about the University Beach development and was the sole dissenting vote against the project. She believes that Northport residents should have the opportunity to vote on a project of such size, and she said if reelected, she would push for open forums and town halls and accessible documentation. Dykes plans to hold "neighborhood chats” at locations throughout District 4, publish newsletters that inform residents about city council decisions, use social media platforms for community outreach, and encourage interactions between city council and residents.
☐ Randall “Holt” Clark Jr.
Randall “Holt” Clark Jr. is originally from Tuscaloosa. Clark has received a BA in Communications and Information Sciences from the University of Alabama. He believes the most important qualities for a city councilperson to have are education, level-headedness, and the ability to listen more than they speak. Clark believes that the greatest issues facing Northport today are infrastructure, safety, raising the standard of living, and the University Beach development. Clark stresses the importance of listening to his constituents and his platform includes transparency from city hall, responsible growth, and clear communication with the people of Northport. Clark hopes that revenue from the University Beach development will counter any need for a tax increase, and, if elected, vows to pursue adjustments to the plan to benefit citizens. If elected, Clark plans on publishing all activities on his pages where he can be contacted He intends to table controversial agenda items in order to allow citizens to weigh in and present opposing points of view.
District 5
POLLING PLACE: FLATWOODS BAPTIST CHURCH
☐ Danny Higdon
Danny Higdon is the sole candidate for District 5’s city council seat, and as such his election has already been certified. For over twenty years, he served as the Chief Financial Officer for Tuscaloosa County Schools, a position from which he is adopting his primary platform. He stresses financial transparency through regular online access to city financial reports and audits. Higdon served in the Alabama Army National Guard. He received his bachelor's in commerce and business administration, majoring in accounting, from The University of Alabama. Higdon did not respond to the Return My Vote Candidate Survey due to his election certification.
Polling Places
District 1
NorthportCityHall,3500McFarlandBoulevard
District1spansareaslocatedsouthofMcFarlandBoulevard,northof 5thstreet,westofLurleenB.WallaceBoulevard,andeastofHarper Creek.ThisdistrictincludesTwinManor,Briarcliff,ForestManor, ForestBrook,andBellwoodSubdivisions.
District 2
NewZionMissionaryBaptistChurch,1317MartinLutherKingJr. Boulevard
District2spansareaslocatedsouthofMcFarlandBoulevard,eastof LurleenB.WallaceBoulevard,andtheareassouthof5thStreetand westof28thAvenue.ThisdistrictincludesHistoricDowntown Northport,Riverfront,HarperCreek,KennedySnow,Quinntown, Windsong,ValleyHills,WestandEastCircle,andtheLongviewareas.
District 3
District 3
DaystarFamilyChurch,3975WatermelonRoad
District3includesareaslocatedeastofHighway69andnorthof McFarlandBlvd.ThisdistrictincludesVestavia,Archwood,Northwood LakeEast,andLakeviewEstatesSubdivisions,areassouthof Highway69toMcFarlandBlvdandovertoWatermelonRoad, VestaviaEast,LakeviewEstates,andothersubdivisionseastof HunterCreekRoad.
District 4
District 4
NorthportFire&RescueStation2,5500Highway69North
District4spansareaslocatedeastofHighway43,westofHighway 69,andnorthofMcFarlandBoulevard,excludingBiscayneHillsand BriarcliffSubdivisions.ThisdistrictincludestheNorthwoodLake, Meadowlake,Hightown,andHuntingtonAreas.
District 5
District 5
FlatwoodsBaptistChurch,452070thAvenue
District5spansareaslocatedwestofHighway43andnorthof McFarlandBoulevard,excludingMooresPointBridge,SmithAcres, andStewartParcSubdivisions.Thisdistrictincludesthe neighborhoodsofGrandPointe,HiddenMeadows,Montgomery Farms,ClearCreek,Flatwoods,HighlandPark,TheSummit, HuntingtonVillage,Buckhead,GreenVillage,Deerfield,Rosewood, BoothEstates,TheGlen,ShirleyFarms,andTrestleSquare.
TeamLead:LiamPhillips-McGraw
AssistantEditors:DoriMiles,RichardFording, PerrinLarkin
Specialthankstothevolunteerstrategists,researchers, writers,andreviewersthathavecontributedtothisguide.
Thank you also to the nonprofits, businesses, neighborhood associations, faith groups, libraries, and individuals who help distribute our guide!
For printed guides for your community, email liam@return-my-vote.org
Helpful contacts:
Secretary of State
AlabamaState Capitol Building - Suite S-105 600 Dexter Avenue Montgomery, AL 36130
334-242-7200
Location
3500 McFarland Blvd Northport, AL 35476
Tuscaloosa County
2501 7th St Ste 200 Tuscaloosa, Alabama 354011801 Board of Registrars
Northport Executive Assistant Office
Mailing Address
3500 McFarland Blvd Northport, AL 35476
Alabama Election Protection Network
1-844-458-6837
National Election Protection Hotlines
Phone
205-339-7000, ext. 259
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)
